HIV testing services in limbo as Ghanet warns kits could run out by end of July

The President of the Ghana HIV/AIDS Network (Ghanet), Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, has raised concerns over a possible shortage of HIV testing kits, warning that health facilities across the country could begin facing supply challenges by the end of July if the government fails to replenish stocks.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Ortsin said the current stock of HIV test kits at the Central Medical Stores is running low and may be depleted within weeks if government-procured supplies do not arrive.

FDA alerts public about fake HIV test kits on the market

He explained that under the country's procurement arrangement, the Global Fund had already delivered its portion of the test kits, but the government's complementary consignment is yet to be supplied despite the year being well advanced.

“As we speak, we’re already half a year into 2026, and the government procurement is yet to come. The stock that we have can last us only until the end of July. If the new test kits don’t come in from the government side, we’re going to have a crisis on our hands because we have run out of test kits in the country,” he said.

According to Ortsin, the potential shortage is not unexpected, as the matter was raised during a meeting between officials of the Global Fund and the government in June, giving authorities advance notice of the looming challenge.

Despite concerns over HIV testing, he reassured the public that treatment for people living with HIV remains secure for now, stressing that there is no shortage of antiretroviral drugs.

“We have sufficient quantities in the country that can last up to the end of this year and even up to the first quarter of 2027,” he said.

He added that although health facilities have not yet reported turning people away due to a lack of test kits, that situation could quickly change if fresh supplies are not delivered before existing stocks run out.

To help widen access to HIV testing, Ortsin announced that Ghanet is preparing to introduce an online platform through which individuals can request HIV self-test kits and check their status privately.

He appealed to the government to act swiftly to replenish the country's stock of HIV testing kits, warning that any interruption in testing services could undermine efforts to detect new infections early and sustain Ghana's HIV response.

NA/VPO

TrendingGH: Ghanaians react to reported rejection of Ramaphosa's State