An estimated 50 people contract HIV every day in Ghana, according to the latest data from the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC).
The alarming figure was disclosed during the release of the 2023 national and sub-national HIV and AIDS estimates and projections.
The report revealed that Ghana recorded 17,774 new HIV infections in 2023, comprising 16,076 adults (aged 15 and above) and 1,698 children (below 15 years). Currently, 334,095 people are living with HIV/AIDS in the country, including 17,550 children under 15 years.
The data further indicates that the majority of new infections occur among individuals aged 15 to 49 years, a group considered the country's economically active population.
Regions and Districts with Highest Prevalence
The regions with the highest numbers of people living with HIV are:
Greater Accra
Ashanti
Eastern Region
At the district level, the highest prevalence was recorded in:
Accra Metropolitan Area
Kumasi Metropolitan Area
Ledzokuku Municipality
Progress and Challenges
Despite a decline in new infections and AIDS-related deaths, the rate of decline remains insufficient to meet Ghana’s HIV reduction targets.
Speaking at a media engagement, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, acknowledged the progress made in HIV intervention programs but stressed the need for intensified efforts.
“We have made significant strides, but we need to accelerate our efforts to reach the 95-95-95 target by 2025 and 98-98-98 by 2030,” Dr. Atuahene stated.
The 95-95-95 target aims for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to be on antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.
Dr. Atuahene highlighted ongoing challenges, including gaps in data capture, validation, and quality assurance, which hinder progress. Additionally, mother-to-child transmission remains a concern due to weaknesses in the healthcare system.
Call for Collective Action
The media engagement brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from UNAIDS, WHO, PEPFAR, and the Ghana Health Service.
With 50 new infections recorded daily, stakeholders are urging collective action to enhance public awareness, improve healthcare services, and promote early testing and treatment.
The Ghana AIDS Commission reaffirmed its commitment to combating the epidemic and called for stronger partnerships, community involvement, and sustained funding to reduce new infections and support those affected.
As Ghana strives to meet its national and global HIV/AIDS targets, stakeholders emphasize that only a united front can effectively curb the epidemic and protect future generations.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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