Karnataka Mandates HIV Awareness Camps in Colleges

The Karnataka government has directed all engineering and degree colleges to organise Integrated Health Camps for HIV testing and counselling following a rise in infections.

Data shows HIV-positive cases in the 18-35 age group rose from 44,500 in 2023-24 to 66,600 in 2025-26, with the state currently housing 2.60 lakh people living with HIV.

While testing is encouraged to meet the '95-95-99' target, officials clarified that no student will undergo screening without informed consent, and a QR-based self-risk tool has been introduced.