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Rising HIV Risk in Karnataka; Orders Issued for Free Testing and Counseling Camps in Colleges
Bengaluru: The state government has taken a significant step in response to the rapid rise of HIV infections among the youth in Karnataka. Acting on directives from the State AIDS Prevention Society, a decision has been made to organize regular HIV testing and public awareness camps across all government, aided, and private colleges. The primary objective of this campaign is to detect infections among young people at an early stage and provide free counseling services.
According to a report by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Karnataka ranks third in the country in terms of the number of HIV-positive patients. Currently, approximately 2.60 lakh people in the state are living with HIV. While 2.05 lakh of them are undergoing treatment, a concerning fact is that around 54,000 individuals remain unaware of their infection status. This is a matter of serious concern for the Health Department.
Statistics indicate that HIV infections are rising most rapidly within the 18–35 age group. The number of infected individuals in this age bracket stood at 44,500 in 2023–24 and has risen to 66,600 in 2025–26—a significant increase within just two years. Recent data reveals that over 7,000 college students aged 18 to 25 have recently tested positive for HIV.
Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has directed all its affiliated engineering colleges to conduct integrated health camps. This initiative will be implemented under the special program titled 'Mobilization for AIDS Safety.' In addition to HIV, the camps will provide guidance on Hepatitis-B and Syphilis.
Strict confidentiality will be maintained throughout this campaign; students' identities and test reports will be kept private. No test will be mandatory; participation will depend entirely on the students' consent. By scanning QR codes placed on the campus, students will also be able to assess their risk of infection based on their lifestyle.
This campaign will be conducted in phases over the eight months following July 2026. Public awareness will be raised on August 12 (Youth Day) through flash mobs, street plays, and cultural programs.
Bengaluru: The state government has taken a significant step in response to the rapid rise of HIV infections among the youth in Karnataka. Acting on directives from the State AIDS Prevention Society, a decision has been made to organize regular HIV testing and public awareness camps across all government, aided, and private colleges. The primary objective of this campaign is to detect infections among young people at an early stage and provide free counseling services.
According to a report by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Karnataka ranks third in the country in terms of the number of HIV-positive patients. Currently, approximately 2.60 lakh people in the state are living with HIV. While 2.05 lakh of them are undergoing treatment, a concerning fact is that around 54,000 individuals remain unaware of their infection status. This is a matter of serious concern for the Health Department.
Statistics indicate that HIV infections are rising most rapidly within the 18–35 age group. The number of infected individuals in this age bracket stood at 44,500 in 2023–24 and has risen to 66,600 in 2025–26—a significant increase within just two years. Recent data reveals that over 7,000 college students aged 18 to 25 have recently tested positive for HIV.
Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has directed all its affiliated engineering colleges to conduct integrated health camps. This initiative will be implemented under the special program titled 'Mobilization for AIDS Safety.' In addition to HIV, the camps will provide guidance on Hepatitis-B and Syphilis.
Strict confidentiality will be maintained throughout this campaign; students' identities and test reports will be kept private. No test will be mandatory; participation will depend entirely on the students' consent. By scanning QR codes placed on the campus, students will also be able to assess their risk of infection based on their lifestyle.
This campaign will be conducted in phases over the eight months following July 2026. Public awareness will be raised on August 12 (Youth Day) through flash mobs, street plays, and cultural programs.
According to a report by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Karnataka ranks third in the country in terms of the number of HIV-positive patients. Currently, approximately 2.60 lakh people in the state are living with HIV. While 2.05 lakh of them are undergoing treatment, a concerning fact is that around 54,000 individuals remain unaware of their infection status. This is a matter of serious concern for the Health Department.
Statistics indicate that HIV infections are rising most rapidly within the 18–35 age group. The number of infected individuals in this age bracket stood at 44,500 in 2023–24 and has risen to 66,600 in 2025–26—a significant increase within just two years. Recent data reveals that over 7,000 college students aged 18 to 25 have recently tested positive for HIV.
Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has directed all its affiliated engineering colleges to conduct integrated health camps. This initiative will be implemented under the special program titled 'Mobilization for AIDS Safety.' In addition to HIV, the camps will provide guidance on Hepatitis-B and Syphilis.
Strict confidentiality will be maintained throughout this campaign; students' identities and test reports will be kept private. No test will be mandatory; participation will depend entirely on the students' consent. By scanning QR codes placed on the campus, students will also be able to assess their risk of infection based on their lifestyle.
This campaign will be conducted in phases over the eight months following July 2026. Public awareness will be raised on August 12 (Youth Day) through flash mobs, street plays, and cultural programs.
