Karnataka to Introduce HIV Testing in All Degree and Engineering Colleges

The Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS) has requested Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) and the Collegiate Education Department to conduct Integrated Health Camps (IHC) for HIV testing and counselling in all government, aided, and private degree and engineering colleges across the state. This initiative aims to address rising infection rates among young people.

According to the Sankalak-Status of National AIDS & STD Response 2024 report by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Karnataka ranks third in India in the number of people living with HIV. The state currently has approximately 2.60 lakh HIV-positive individuals, of whom 2.05 lakh are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, about 54,000 people remain unaware of their infection, a cause for concern.

KSAPS data indicates that HIV is spreading rapidly among youth aged 18 to 35. The number of infected individuals in this age group rose from 44,500 in 2023-24 to 66,600 in 2025-26. Additionally, more than 7,000 young people aged 18 to 25 have been diagnosed with HIV, according to a recent report.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Union Education Ministry have also directed states to raise HIV awareness in all degree and technical institutions. KSAPS's letter to VTU and the Collegiate Education Department states that the Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha (MAS) focuses on achieving the '95-95-99' targets: ensuring 95% of people know their HIV status, linking 95% of those diagnosed to treatment, and achieving 99% viral suppression.

To support the 'First 95' target, KSAPS has developed a QR code-based 'HIV Self-Risk Assessment Tool' called 'Know Your HIV Status'. This tool allows students to assess their risk and learn their HIV status confidentially, encouraging timely testing and self-awareness.

The initiative aims to reduce the number of undiagnosed individuals and curb the spread of HIV among the state's student population.