Ghana could face a nationwide shortage of essential HIV testing kits by the end of July if urgent action is not taken, raising concerns about disruptions to early diagnosis and treatment services.
The warning was issued by the President of the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET), Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, who said the country’s current stock of both oral and blood-based HIV testing kits is expected to run out before the end of the month.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ortsin cautioned that the shortage could undermine Ghana’s efforts to control the HIV epidemic and delay progress toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.
According to him, a lack of testing commodities would result in fewer people being diagnosed, delaying access to life-saving antiretroviral treatment and increasing the risk of new HIV infections.
“Shortages mean fewer people can be tested, increasing the risk of undetected HIV infections,” he stated.
He explained that the current supply of HIV testing kits and reagents was provided by the Global Fund under a 2024–2026 arrangement, with the expectation that the Government of Ghana would take over procurement from the third year.
However, delays linked to funding gaps, procurement challenges and Ghana’s heavy reliance on donor support have raised fears of an imminent shortage.
Mr. Ortsin called on the government to fast-track emergency procurement, improve supply chain management and increase domestic funding for HIV commodities.
He also urged authorities to explore local manufacturing partnerships and establish buffer stocks to reduce dependence on imported supplies and prevent similar shortages in the future.
