In 2024, Ghana reported 15,290 new HIV infections and 12,614 AIDS-related deaths, according to data from the National and Sub-National HIV and AIDS Estimates and Projections. Of the new infections, 10,303 (67.4%) were among females, while 4,987 (32.6%) were among males. Currently, a total of 334,721 individuals are living with HIV, which includes 229,261 females and 105,460 males. Additionally, there are 18,229 children, representing 5.4% of those living with HIV. The projections also indicate that the country experiences 42 new HIV infections per day among both children and adults.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, the Deputy Chief of Staff, launched the HIV Estimates for 2024 in Accra on Thursday. She emphasised that these figures highlight the feminisation of the HIV epidemic and underscore the need for Ghana to prioritise women and children in its prevention and response efforts.
She called for urgent steps to strengthen community systems, address persistent stigma and discrimination against persons living with HIV and AIDS and expand the coverage of lifesaving services. “With only 47 per cent of people living with HIV currently on Antiretroviral therapy, it is evident that the country needs to double up its efforts in attaining the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets,” she said.
The 95-95-95 targets set by UNAIDS aim to ensure that by 2025, 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of those on ART achieve viral suppression. Currently, the National HIV Projections for 2024 indicate that in Ghana, only 68 percent of individuals know their HIV status, 69 percent of those diagnosed are receiving ART, and 90 percent of those on ART have achieved viral suppression.
The projections also show that ART has a significant impact, having averted 229 deaths each week and a total of 12,358 deaths throughout the year 2024. Ms. Bampoe Addo stated that the government is committed to ensuring sustained domestic financing for HIV prevention and response, integrating HIV priorities into broader health and development strategies, and adopting innovative, data-driven approaches to enhance service delivery.
She said the estimates would serve as a guide for resource allocation, policy making and community engagement towards the HIV epidemic control. Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, the Acting Director General, Ghana Aids Commission (GAC), said ending the HIV epidemic in Ghana would require collective action, sustained investment and unwavering solidarity.
“The HIV epidemic continues to affect lives across the country with some regions and vulnerable populations bearing a disproportionate burden, addressing these inequalities must remain at the heart of our national response if we are to leave no one behind,” he said. Dr Emmanuel Teviu, the Acting Programme Manager, National Aids Control Programme, said while Ghana had made progress in achieving viral suppression among those on treatment, the greatest challenges remained in the first two 95s-ensuring that people living with HIV were diagnosed and promptly initiated on treatment.
He emphasised the need for the country to embrace HIV self-testing to close those gaps. “Self-testing provides a discreet, convenient, and empowering option for individuals, particularly those who are difficult to reach through traditional facility-based services,” he said.
Dr Teviu said HIV self-testing had the potential to expand the testing and coverage, particularly among men, young people, key populations, and other groups who may not otherwise engage with the healthcare system. The National and Sub-National HIV and AIDS Estimates and Projections is conducted yearly to serve as a strategic compass, guiding Ghana’s HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support interventions. Data generated from the estimates is expected to enable the country to assess progress, identify challenges, and recalibrate its strategies toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Source: GNA
