The Karnataka government has directed all government, aided and private colleges across the state to conduct mandatory HIV testing and counselling camps following reports that more than 7,000 students aged between 18 and 25 have recently tested HIV positive. The decision was issued through a special directive by the State AIDS Prevention Society to strengthen early detection and awareness among young people.
According to the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Karnataka has the third-highest number of people living with HIV in India, with nearly 2.6 lakh people living with the infection. Of these, around 2.05 lakh are currently receiving treatment, while an estimated 54,000 people remain unaware of their HIV status, prompting concerns over delayed diagnosis and continued transmission.
The data also indicate a sharp rise in HIV infections among people aged 18 to 35, with the number of HIV-positive individuals in this age group increasing from 44,500 in 2023-24 to 66,600 in 2025-26. Health authorities believe colleges can play a crucial role in promoting awareness, voluntary testing, counselling and timely access to treatment.
In response, the state government has decided to intensify HIV awareness programmes across higher educational institutions, making testing and counselling camps a mandatory initiative aimed at improving early detection, reducing stigma and ensuring that students living with HIV receive appropriate medical care and support.
