Karnataka AIDS Prevention Society refutes rumors of 7,000 HIV‑positive college students

The Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS) has denied viral social‑media claims that HIV testing is mandatory for college students and that 7,000 students in the state have tested positive. Project Director Padma Basavanthappa said the figure was a misinterpretation of data on people receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), not new infections among students. KSAPS clarified that Karnataka’s HIV prevalence stands at 291,341, with 203,000 on medication and an estimated 56,000 people still unidentified.

To improve early detection, KSAPS launched a technology‑driven awareness campaign, using QR codes linked to the BreakFree mobile app for self‑risk assessment and counselling. The society also coordinated with multiple state departments to run integrated health camps and an eight‑month Red Ribbon Awareness Campaign across colleges and workplaces. Health experts warned that HIV can remain asymptomatic for years, stressing the importance of early testing and reducing stigma.

The clarification aims to correct misinformation and encourage voluntary risk assessment rather than compulsory testing.