Ghana recorded an estimated 15, 290 new HIV infections and 12, 614 AIDS-related deaths in 2024, according to data released by the Ghana AIDS Commission.
The sobering figures have sparked renewed calls from government and health officials for equitable resource allocation and urgent interventions to curb the epidemic.
Deputy Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, speaking at the launch of the 2024 HIV and AIDS Estimates and Projections on Thursday, July 3, in Accra, described the statistics as a wake-up call for stakeholders to prioritise funding and tailor regional strategies to close service delivery gaps.
“We must not overlook the sovereign reality of 12,614 AIDS-related deaths in the country. These gaps must urge us to focus on equitable resource allocation and tailored regional solutions to address the AIDS pandemic in Ghana,” she emphasised.
The 2024 report estimates that 334,721 people are currently living with HIV in Ghana, with the national prevalence rate among adults aged 15-49 pegged at 1.49%. The estimates serve as a critical data source for planning and global reporting.
To strengthen the national response, Nana Oye reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing funding, noting that the administration is actively exploring domestic and alternative sources to prevent disruptions in HIV/AIDS interventions.
“Government is working to close the funding gap to ensure there is no disruption in service delivery,” she stated.
Acting Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kharmacelle Akanbong, also highlighted the urgency of addressing regional inequalities and the needs of vulnerable populations.
“The epidemic continues to affect lives across the country. Addressing these inequities must remain at the heart of our national response if we are to leave no one behind,” he said.
Regional disparities remain a key concern. The Greater Accra Region leads with the highest number of people living with HIV (77,821), followed by Ashanti (54,824) and Eastern (42,386) regions. It also recorded the highest number of new infections (3,436).
Conversely, the North East Region recorded the lowest new infections (97) and the lowest adult HIV prevalence (0.43%). Bono Region had the highest adult prevalence at 2.22%, with Dormaa East District topping all districts at 5.36%.
Progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets remains below expectations. The data shows that:
68% of people living with HIV know their status, 69% of those are receiving treatment, and 90% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.
The forum also featured representatives from key development partners, including WHO, UNAIDS, the CDC, and the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), who pledged continued support.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
The Ghana AIDS Commission urged all stakeholders to scale up HIV prevention campaigns, promote safer sexual practices, and expand access to testing and treatment. The Commission stressed that knowing one’s HIV status remains a vital first step in accessing lifesaving care and achieving epidemic control.
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