Government clarifies HIV testing guidelines amid false social media claims
What you need to know:
- The ministry said the information was false and could cause unnecessary fear and confusion among expectant mothers and their families.
Dar es Salaam. The Ministry of Health has dismissed misleading reports circulating on social media claiming that HIV testing for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in Tanzania has been reduced from five tests to two.
In a statement issued from Dodoma on Friday, August 15, 2025, the ministry said the information was false and could cause unnecessary fear and confusion among expectant mothers and their families.
The Government’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Grace Magembe, says in a statement that HIV testing is conducted three times during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in line with national guidelines and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.
“The guidelines for HIV testing of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers follow WHO recommendations, results from various studies, and national strategies. They do not derive from any other source,” reads part of the statement.
According to the ministry, the testing schedule is as follows: the first test is carried out at the first antenatal clinic visit, alongside testing for syphilis and hepatitis B, and ideally with the mother’s partner.
The second test occurs between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy, while the third is conducted within three months after delivery.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women in high-risk groups are tested every three months and receive preventive medication (PrEP).
“These tests are sufficient to detect HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and prevent transmission from mother to child,” emphasises the ministry in a statement, adding, “All these services are provided free of charge nationwide.”
The ministry further noted that, despite a decline in donor funding, the government has continued to sustain these services through domestic resources.
For the 2024/25 financial year, Sh141.98 billion was allocated to HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis services, while Sh158 billion has been set aside for the 2025/26 fiscal year.
Health officials urged pregnant women to seek HIV testing as soon as they suspect pregnancy to protect themselves and their children from HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B infections.
The ministry also cautioned the public against relying on unverified social media posts and stressed that only authorised medical personnel are permitted to issue health-related information.
Legal action will be taken against anyone who continues to spread false health information.
Dr Magembe underscored the importance of accurate information in maintaining public health and confidence in essential services.
“Misinformation undermines our efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and other infections. We urge all citizens to rely solely on official sources for guidance,” she said.
Authorities have highlighted the need for community awareness and education to prevent panic and ensure that Tanzanians can differentiate between verified health information and rumours.
Misleading claims, officials said, could deter pregnant women from attending antenatal care or accessing vital testing services.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding maternal and child health while maintaining transparency and accessibility of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B testing services across Tanzania.
