Over 56,000 in Karnataka unaware of HIV status; dating apps pose new challenge to tracing infections
Karnataka health officials report that over 56,000 people are living with undiagnosed HIV, with dating apps complicating contact tracing efforts. The state is struggling to reach these individuals due to social stigma and the anonymity provided by digital platforms.
Why it matters
The shift in sexual networks toward digital platforms presents a significant public health challenge for traditional disease control and contact tracing programs.
More than 56,000 people in Karnataka are estimated to be living with HIV without knowing their status, the highest such number among States in the country. This is posing a major challenge to the State’s HIV control programme despite free testing and treatment services being widely available, with the changing nature of sexual networks adding to the complexity.
As per estimates from the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS), 56,406 people are unaware of their HIV-positive status, making early diagnosis and linkage to treatment a key public health priority. While over two lakh people are already receiving treatment, officials said the focus is now on identifying those who remain outside the healthcare system.
KSAPS Project Director Padma Basavanthappa told The Hindu that one of the biggest hurdles is the changing nature of sexual networks, with increasing numbers of people meeting partners through dating apps.
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