The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has clarified that the approximately 1,300 reactive HIV test results recorded during the recent security services recruitment exercise should not be interpreted as an unusual development or a public health emergency, stressing that the figure is consistent with Ghana’s national HIV prevalence.
In a statement issued on Wednesday 8th July 2026, in response to media reports about HIV testing during the recruitment exercise, the Commission said the reported 1,300 reactive cases out of about 100,000 applicants represent roughly 1.3 per cent of those screened.
It noted that this closely aligns with Ghana’s estimated adult HIV prevalence of 1.49 per cent at the end of 2024.
The Commission explained that a reactive HIV screening result does not amount to a confirmed HIV diagnosis.
It said, under Ghana’s national HIV testing guidelines, an initial reactive result is only preliminary and must be followed by the nationally approved three-test serial testing algorithm before an individual’s HIV status can be confirmed.
According to the GAC, it is important for public discussions on HIV to distinguish between a preliminary reactive screening result and a confirmed HIV-positive diagnosis to avoid misinformation and unnecessary anxiety.
The Commission also underscored that HIV testing should always be conducted in line with national guidelines, including informed consent, confidentiality and appropriate counselling.
It said individuals with reactive screening results should receive professional counselling, complete confirmatory testing and, where necessary, be linked to treatment and care services.
The statement further reminded the public that the Ghana AIDS Commission Act, 2016 (Act 938) prohibits discrimination against persons living with HIV in employment and other areas of public life.
It stressed that HIV status alone should not be used as grounds to deny employment or limit an individual’s opportunities, adding that medical fitness for specific occupations should instead be determined based on established medical and occupational standards rather than stigma or misconceptions.
The Commission cautioned that poorly framed public communication on HIV could reinforce stigma and discourage people from accessing HIV testing and treatment services.
It noted that Ghana has made significant progress in expanding access to HIV prevention, treatment and care, and maintaining these gains requires creating an environment where individuals can confidently know their status without fear of discrimination.
Reaffirming its commitment to the national HIV response, the Ghana AIDS Commission said it would continue working with ministries, departments and agencies to ensure that HIV testing, counselling and public communication are guided by scientific evidence, national policy and respect for human rights.
It added that promoting accurate information, encouraging voluntary HIV testing and protecting the dignity of every individual are essential to achieving Ghana’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
CREDIT: MAVIS FANTEVI