News: A report highlights that over 56,000 people in Karnataka are unaware of their HIV-positive status, posing a major public health challenge.

The growing use of dating apps is making contact tracing and partner notification more difficult.

Key Highlights

• Around 56,406 people are estimated to be living with HIV without knowing their status.
• Karnataka has 1.45 lakh people living with HIV, with over 90% aware of their status.
• Dating apps hinder partner tracing due to anonymity and casual interactions.
• Hidden HIV cases delay diagnosis, treatment, and increase community transmission.
• Key populations (MSM, transgender persons, sex workers, injecting drug users) remain vulnerable.

Challenges

• Difficulty in partner notification and contact tracing.
• Stigma and discrimination discourage HIV testing.
• Anonymous online interactions reduce the effectiveness of conventional surveillance.
• Undiagnosed individuals continue to transmit HIV unknowingly.

Way Forward

• Expand targeted HIV testing and awareness campaigns.
• Strengthen digital outreach for key populations.
• Promote confidential self-testing and early diagnosis.
• Enhance counselling, partner notification, and linkage to treatment.