Karnataka to make HIV testing, counselling mandatory across colleges: How to use confidential portal

In a major public health move, the Karnataka government has decided to make HIV testing and counselling mandatory across all higher education institutions in the state. The decision, driven by a directive from the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS), will see mandatory health camps organised across all government, aided, and self-financing colleges.

The intervention comes amid mounting concern over a sharp rise in HIV infections among the state's youth, particularly those in the 18 to 25 age bracket. Health officials hope that bringing screening services directly to campuses will help identify undiagnosed cases and break the stigma surrounding the infection.

A worrying spike among youth
According to data from the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Karnataka ranks third in India for the number of people living with HIV. Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are in the first two positions and Kerala is in the 16th position. Karnataka currently has an estimated 2.60 lakh HIV-positive individuals. While approximately 2.05 lakh of them are actively receiving treatment, a worrying 54,000 people remain completely unaware of their status, representing a significant gap in the state's healthcare outreach.

Surging numbers in the student community
Recent statistics highlight a rapid spread of the virus among younger demographics. The number of HIV-positive individuals aged between 18 and 35 in Karnataka stood at 44,500 during the 2023-24 period. However, this figure has sharply risen to 66,600 by 2025-26. More alarmingly, the latest reports confirm that over 7,000 students aged between 18 and 25 have newly tested positive for HIV, prompting urgent action from the higher education and health departments.

Campus-wide screening and awareness
Under the new state mandate, KSAPS will collaborate with colleges to set up confidential testing units and counselling sessions. The initiative aims not only to diagnose cases early but also to educate students about prevention, safe practices, and the importance of ending the social stigma associated with HIV. By regularising campus screenings, the government hopes to encourage more young people to come forward, ensuring those who test positive are immediately integrated into the state's free antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes.

Use this confidential app
Karnataka has also introduced a QR code-based tool called 'Know Your HIV status,' which helps users conduct their HIV risk assessment confidentially. Though it's referred to as an app on many platforms, it can be accessed easily on smartphones via a QR code. The name of the web portal is 'Breakfree India.' Users don't have to download it from the Google Play Store or any app store. The QR code would be placed at colleges and other public centres, and it links to a private web page where a confidential risk assessment questionnaire can help users. There is also a downloadable app named the NACO AIDS mobile app, which supports in a similar manner.