The Karnataka government has announced a statewide HIV screening and awareness campaign across colleges after a significant rise in HIV infections among young adults. More than 7,000 students and individuals in the 18-25 age group have recently tested positive for HIV, prompting authorities to strengthen early detection and prevention efforts.
Acting on the recommendation of the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS), the state has directed government, aided and private colleges to organise HIV testing and counselling camps as part of a comprehensive public health initiative.
Karnataka Among States With High HIV Burden
According to data from the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Karnataka has the third-highest number of people living with HIV in India. The state is estimated to have around 2.6 lakh people living with the virus, of whom nearly 2.05 lakh are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Officials have also expressed concern that an estimated 56,406 people in the state may be living with HIV without knowing their status, making early diagnosis a key priority.
Rising Infections Among Youth
Health authorities say HIV infections are increasing most rapidly among young adults, particularly those between 18 and 35 years of age. The number of HIV-positive individuals in this age group has reportedly increased from 44,500 in 2023-24 to 66,600 in 2025-26.
Experts attribute the rise to several factors, including limited awareness about HIV transmission, low rates of voluntary testing and the persistent stigma associated with the disease. Fear of discrimination and the misconception that certain individuals are not at risk continue to discourage many people from getting tested.
State Rolls Out College-Based HIV Camps
To improve early detection, the government will conduct integrated HIV testing, screening and counselling camps in engineering, degree and other higher education institutions across the state.
The programme will be implemented in collaboration with KSAPS, the Department of Collegiate Education and Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU). Existing Red Ribbon Clubs in colleges will also be used to organise awareness campaigns through debates, street plays, seminars and other educational activities.
Digital Tools and Awareness Campaign
As part of its prevention strategy, KSAPS has launched the Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha (MAS) campaign under the national “Know Your Status” initiative.
Students will have access to a confidential digital self-risk assessment tool through QR codes displayed on campuses and at public locations. The platform allows users to assess their HIV risk, locate nearby testing centres and connect with trained counsellors while ensuring privacy under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017.
Objectives of the Initiative
The statewide campaign aims to:
- Detect HIV infections at an early stage.
- Provide confidential HIV testing and counselling.
- Increase awareness about HIV prevention and safe practices.
- Reduce stigma surrounding HIV testing.
- Ensure timely access to free treatment and medical care for those who test positive.
How HIV Spreads
HIV is transmitted through specific body fluids of an infected person. The most common modes of transmission include:
- Unprotected sexual contact.
- Sharing contaminated needles or syringes.
- Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding if untreated.
- Transfusion of infected blood, although this is now extremely rare due to mandatory blood screening.
Health experts emphasise that HIV does not spread through everyday contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or utensils, mosquito bites or casual social interaction.
HIV Can Be Managed With Treatment
Although there is no cure for HIV, it can be effectively managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART). The treatment suppresses the virus, strengthens the immune system and enables people living with HIV to lead long, healthy lives.
Medical experts stress that early diagnosis remains the most effective way to improve treatment outcomes. By expanding testing in colleges and promoting awareness among young adults, the Karnataka government hopes to identify undiagnosed cases sooner, reduce new infections and combat the stigma that often prevents people from seeking timely medical care.