Third-Highest HIV Burden State, Karnataka to Hold Awareness Camps
According to a report by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Karnataka has the third-highest number of people living with HIV in the country
Bengaluru: Following a special directive from the State AIDS Prevention Society, Karnataka government has decided to organise HIV testing and counselling in all colleges across the state. Camps will be organised in all government, aided and private colleges, however, no tests or screening will be done without consent from individuals.
According to estimates by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), around 56,000 people in Karnataka, including those in the general population as well as high-risk groups, are living with HIV without having undergone testing and therefore remain unaware of their HIV status.
To help such individuals assess their risk, they are being encouraged to use the Break Free India – HIV Self Risk Assessment tool by scanning a QR code. People can scan a QR code, answer a few questions, and assess their level of risk. Those identified as being at possible risk are advised to visit the nearest Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) for voluntary HIV testing.
Data show that the infection is spreading most rapidly among young people aged 18 to 35. Since the programme was launched in 2004, a total of 2.03 lakh people living with HIV are presently receiving treatment in Karnataka, of which 39,028 are in the 18-35 age group.
While earlier news reports had interpreted 7,000 HIV positive cases among students aged between 18 and 25 from data, KSAPS have issued a clarification that it is not true: KSAPS Issues Clarification: HIV Testing Is Voluntary, Viral Claims Not True
Against this backdrop, the government has decided to strengthen HIV awareness programmes in higher educational institutions.
