In response to a sharp increase in HIV cases among young adults, the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS) has requested Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi and the Department of Collegiate Education to organize Integrated Health Camps (IHC) across higher education campuses in the state.
The initiative will introduce mandatory HIV testing, voluntary counselling, and risk-assessment tools for students across government, aided, and private degree and engineering institutions.
Escalating Concerns in Karnataka
Recent epidemiological findings from the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) Sankalak Report 2024 rank Karnataka third in India for the total number of people living with HIV (PLHIV). Out of approximately 2.60 lakh HIV-positive individuals currently residing in the state, around 2.05 lakh are actively receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Health officials emphasize that approximately 54,000 individuals remain undiagnosed and unaware of their positive status, presenting a substantial barrier to public health containment efforts.
State surveillance data highlights a notable shift in demographics, with transmission rates accelerating among individuals aged 18 to 35:
- 2023–24: 44,500 recorded HIV cases within the 18–35 age bracket
- 2025–26: 66,600 recorded HIV cases within the same bracket
- Student Demographic: Over 7,000 young individuals between 18 and 25 years old were recently diagnosed.
Aligning with Global 95-95-99 Objectives
The outreach aligns with directives from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Union Ministry of Education urging states to expand health awareness within technical and higher education networks.
As part of the Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha (MAS) framework, KSAPS aims to meet global ’95-95-99′ benchmarks:
- First 95: Ensuring 95% of people living with HIV are aware of their status.
- Second 95: Linking 95% of diagnosed individuals to continuous ART treatment.
- Third 99: Achieving viral suppression in 99% of those under treatment.
Digital Risk Assessment Tool
To support early detection and reduce social stigma, KSAPS has introduced a digital, QR code-driven platform titled “Know Your HIV Status.”
Students can scan the QR code to complete a confidential self-risk assessment based on personal behavior and potential exposure history.
The tool provides an immediate evaluation of infection risk, encouraging voluntary testing at the campus-based Integrated Health Camps while safeguarding personal privacy.
