Over 1,300 security agency applicants tested positive for HIV – Interior Minister, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka

Interior Minister Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka has revealed that approximately 1,300 people who took part in the recent security services recruitment exercise tested positive for HIV during the compulsory medical screening.

Speaking before Parliament’s Public Assurance Committee, the Minister said the discovery influenced the government’s decision not to send medical results directly to applicants who were unsuccessful. Instead, affected individuals are encouraged to contact the recruitment authorities to receive their results through the appropriate counselling process.

Mr Muntaka explained that delivering sensitive medical information such as an HIV diagnosis without professional guidance could have serious emotional consequences. He stressed that counselling is an essential step before applicants are informed of such results.

“During the recent recruitment exercise, about 1,300 applicants tested positive for HIV. You cannot simply send someone a message telling them they have HIV. There is a proper procedure that includes counselling and orientation,” he told the committee.

According to the Minister, applicants who seek clarification about why they did not pass the medical screening are taken through counselling before receiving details of the health conditions that affected their eligibility.

He noted that not all medical conditions identified during the screening are permanent barriers, as several can be treated or effectively managed. He encouraged applicants to obtain their medical results and seek medical attention where necessary, explaining that doing so could improve their chances of qualifying in future recruitment exercises.

“Some of the conditions we detected are treatable. It is important for people to know their health status so they can receive treatment and potentially qualify in future recruitment,” he said.

Beyond HIV, the screening also uncovered other medical conditions, including hepatitis B, heart-related illnesses, mental health disorders, previous major surgeries and drug-related issues.

Mr Muntaka urged unsuccessful applicants not to ignore the opportunity to access their medical reports, saying the information could help them address health concerns they may not have been aware of.

“It could be something minor or something more serious. Whatever the case, knowing your health status is in your own best interest,” he added.

The Minister further disclosed that more than 100,000 applicants who passed the aptitude test progressed to the medical examination stage of the recruitment process.

Addressing concerns from members of the committee over whether those who tested positive for HIV had been informed, Mr Muntaka clarified that the government had not contacted applicants individually. Instead, contact channels were provided for those wishing to find out why they were unsuccessful.

“We made available contact details for anyone interested in knowing the reason they failed. We are required to provide the results, but we cannot simply communicate such information over the phone,” he explained.

Some members of the committee suggested that the Ministry should take a more proactive approach by reaching out to applicants diagnosed with HIV and offering counselling, arguing that early intervention could improve health outcomes and help reduce the risk of further transmission.

However, Mr Muntaka maintained that the current procedure is designed to protect applicants from receiving life-changing medical diagnoses without adequate support. He added that the approach is consistent with internationally accepted protocols for communicating sensitive health conditions such as HIV and hepatitis B.