HIV testing and counselling for students in all engineering and degree colleges in Karnataka

On the request of Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS), Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) and Collegiate Education Department have taken steps to conduct Integrated Health Camp (IHC) for HIV testing and counselling for students in all engineering and degree colleges.

Concern over spread in Karnataka

According to the report of Sankalak-Status of National AIDS & STD Response 2024 of National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Karnataka ranks third in the country in the number of HIV infected people. Currently, there are about 2.60 lakh HIV positive people in the State, out of which 2.05 lakh are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment. The fact that about 54 thousand people are unaware of their infection is a cause for concern.

According to the statistics of the KSAPS, this infection is spreading rapidly among the youth between the ages of 18 and 35. The number of infected people in this age group, which was 44,500 in 2023-24, has increased dramatically to 66,600 by 2025-26. According to a recent report, more than 7,000 young people aged 18 to 25 have been diagnosed with HIV.

In light of this, the KSAPS has requested VTU and Collegiate Education Department to let the body conduct the IHC for HIV testing and counselling in all government, aided and private colleges and engineering colleges in the State. The University Grant Commission (UGC) and Union Education Ministry had also directed States to create awareness against HIV in all degree and technical institutions.

95-95-99 target

In it’s letter to VTU and Collegiate Education Department, the KSAPS said that the Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha (MAS) focuses on effectively achieving the 95-95-99 targets.

“The ‘First 95’ target of making 95% of people aware of their HIV status is a very important focal point in terms of HIV prevention, early detection, the second target being their linkage to treatment and epidemic control. According to estimates, about 54,000 PLHIV in the State are still undiagnosed and do not know their HIV status. To reduce the gap, it is imperative to effectively increase HIV testing,” it stated.

The third target is to achieve 99% control of the viral spread.

Further, to achieve the First-95 target, ‘Know Your HIV Status’, a QR code based ‘HIV Self-Risk Assessment Tool’ has been developed, using which all students can know their HIV status, the letter said.

“This system will increase self-awareness and encourage timely testing while maintaining confidentiality. Through this digital system, individuals can assess their HIV infection based on their behaviour and risk contacts,” it added.