The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has issued a clarification on media reports regarding HIV test results recorded during the recent security services recruitment exercise, urging the public and institutions to ensure all discussions on HIV remain scientifically accurate and free of stigma.
In a statement released in Accra, the Commission, as the statutory body responsible for providing strategic leadership and coordination of Ghana’s HIV response, said it noted with concern how the figures were being reported and interpreted.
According to the Commission, the reported figure of approximately 1,300 reactive HIV test results out of about 100,000 applicants represents roughly 1.3 percent of those screened.
“This is broadly consistent with Ghana’s estimated national HIV prevalence of 1.49 percent among adults at the end of 2024,” the Commission stated. “The reported figures should therefore not be interpreted as unusual or indicative of an emerging public health concern.”
Reactive Result Is Not a Confirmed Diagnosis
The Commission stressed the need for accuracy in public communication, noting that under national HIV testing guidelines, a single reactive HIV test result does not constitute a confirmed HIV diagnosis.
“An initial reactive result is preliminary and must be followed by the nationally approved three-test serial testing algorithm before an individual’s HIV status can be confirmed,” GAC explained.
It urged the media and the public to clearly distinguish between an initial reactive screening result and a confirmed HIV-positive diagnosis to avoid misinformation and panic.
The Commission further emphasized that HIV testing must always be conducted in accordance with national guidelines, including informed consent, confidentiality, and pre- and post-test counselling.
“Individuals with reactive screening results should receive professional counselling and be supported to complete the confirmatory testing process and, where necessary, be linked to treatment and care services,” the statement said.
GAC acknowledged the importance of medical screening in recruitment processes and commended the security services for efforts to safeguard the health of personnel.
Law Prohibits HIV Discrimination in Employment
The Commission also reiterated provisions of the Ghana AIDS Commission Act, 2016 (Act 938), which prohibits discrimination against persons living with HIV in employment and other areas of public life.
“HIV status alone should not constitute grounds for denying employment or otherwise limiting an individual’s opportunities,” GAC stated.
“Medical fitness for specific occupations should be determined in accordance with established medical and occupational standards and not on the basis of stigma or misconceptions about HIV.”
Call to Protect Gains Made in the HIV Response
The Commission warned that careless public communication on HIV could unintentionally reinforce stigma and discourage individuals from accessing testing and treatment services.
“Ghana has made significant progress in expanding access to HIV prevention, treatment and care, and sustaining these gains requires creating an environment in which people feel confident to know their status without fear of discrimination,” it added.
The Ghana AIDS Commission said it remains committed to working with all 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.
“Together, we can promote accurate information, encourage voluntary HIV testing, protect the dignity of every individual, and accelerate Ghana’s progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” the Commission concluded.
