Karnataka to Hold HIV Camps in Colleges After 7,000 Youths Test Positive - Video

Karnataka has stepped up its HIV prevention efforts after official data revealed a rise in infections among young people. According to the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS), more than 7,000 students and young adults aged 18-25 years have tested HIV positive. The State Government has now directed government, aided and private degree and engineering colleges to organise integrated HIV awareness and health camps offering awareness sessions, confidential counselling and voluntary HIV testing with informed consent. Officials said the initiative aims to improve early diagnosis, reduce stigma and connect people living with HIV to timely treatment.

The latest figures show that the number of people aged 15-35 years living with HIV in Karnataka has increased from around 49,000 in 2023-24 to nearly 83,000 in 2025-26. Overall, about 2.6 lakh people are estimated to be living with HIV in the state, with over 2.05 lakh currently receiving free antiretroviral therapy (ART). Health authorities estimate that nearly 54,000 people may still be unaware of their HIV status. Officials said the college-based campaign is intended to encourage voluntary testing, identify undiagnosed infections early and improve access to treatment, rather than suggesting HIV transmission is occurring within college campuses, according to a Brut report.