2 Lakh HIV Patients Receiving Treatment in Karnataka: What the Latest Report Reveals

Karnataka continues to face one of India’s highest HIV burdens, with an estimated 2.60 lakh people living with the virus. However, according to the National AIDS Control Organisation’s (NACO) Sankalak: Status of National AIDS and STD Response 2024, only around 2.05 lakh people are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The figures highlight a treatment gap of nearly 55,000 people who are either undiagnosed or not connected to healthcare services. Karnataka ranks among the top three Indian states with the highest number of people living with HIV, prompting authorities to intensify awareness campaigns, particularly among students and young adults.

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Students Become the Focus of HIV Awareness Drive

To improve early detection, the Karnataka government has launched the Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha (MAS) campaign. Under the initiative, students can scan a QR code to confidentially assess their HIV risk based on lifestyle and possible exposure. The digital tool encourages individuals to undergo timely HIV testing and connects them with nearby healthcare facilities when needed. Health experts believe such initiatives are especially important because HIV often remains symptomless for years, allowing infected individuals to unknowingly transmit the virus while appearing completely healthy.

Medical experts say HIV spreads through unprotected sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles, transfusion of infected blood, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding if preventive treatment is not provided. It does not spread through casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or sitting next to someone living with HIV. According to Dr. Neha Rastogi, Senior Consultant in Infectious Diseases at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, early testing is critical because many people remain unaware they are infected. Prompt diagnosis allows patients to begin ART, protect their health and significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

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The Importance of the Global 95-95-95 Targets

Global HIV control efforts are guided by the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment, and 95% of treated individuals achieve viral suppression. Karnataka’s estimated treatment gap suggests that thousands of people may still be unaware of their HIV status, making widespread testing and awareness essential. Health officials believe closing this gap will be key to improving long-term outcomes and reducing new infections across the state.

Despite the remaining challenges, HIV treatment has advanced significantly over the past two decades. UNAIDS estimates that nearly 78% of the world’s 40.9 million people living with HIV are now receiving treatment. Modern ART enables patients to live long, healthy lives while keeping the virus under control. Karnataka’s latest figures show meaningful progress but also underline the need to expand confidential testing, reduce stigma and ensure that everyone diagnosed with HIV receives timely medical care. As India works toward the global 2030 HIV goals, strengthening awareness and improving access to treatment will remain critical.

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