Ghana has recorded a notable decline in both new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, with health authorities attributing the improvement to sustained investment in testing, treatment and HIV care services.
The latest figures contained in the 2025 National HIV Estimates and Projections by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) show that new HIV infections fell from 16,189 in 2024 to 13,951 in 2025.
AIDS-related deaths also declined over the same period, dropping from 13,429 to 12,051. The reduction represents a fall of almost 14 per cent in the number of AIDS-related deaths recorded in one year.
The figures were presented in Accra on Monday, July 20, by the Director for Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ghana AIDS Commission, Isaiah Doe Kwao.
Mr Kwao said the latest data indicated that Ghana’s HIV response was producing measurable results, although he stressed that more work was needed to achieve epidemic control and meet the global target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
“Ghana’s HIV response is making progress, but we still have more work to do to reach epidemic control and ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
More than 337,000 people living with HIV
Despite the decline in new infections, the report estimates that approximately 337,435 people of all ages are currently living with HIV in Ghana.
Of this number, 315,513 are adults aged 15 years and above, while 21,922 are children below the age of 15.
The data also shows that 19,528 adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 are living with HIV. Among young people aged 15 to 24, the estimated number of people living with the virus stands at 33,317.
The figures highlight the continued need for targeted prevention, testing and treatment programmes, particularly among vulnerable groups and young people.
Ghana projects further decline by 2030
The Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Kharmacelle Akanbong, said the country must maintain its focus on preventing new infections if it is to achieve epidemic control.
He explained that every new HIV infection increases the number of people who will require lifelong treatment and care.
According to Dr Akanbong, epidemic control requires sustained reductions in both new infections and AIDS-related deaths. While completely eliminating new infections may be difficult, he said the goal should be to reduce them to the lowest possible level.
The Commission projects that new HIV infections could fall from 13,951 in 2025 to approximately 6,430 by 2030 if prevention initiatives, testing and treatment coverage continue to improve.
AIDS-related deaths are also projected to decline from 12,051 in 2025 to about 4,893 by 2030.
HIV prevalence continues to fall
Ghana has also recorded a gradual decline in adult HIV prevalence among people aged 15 to 49 years.
The prevalence rate fell from 1.79 per cent in 2015 to 1.40 per cent in 2025 and is projected to decline further to 1.18 per cent by 2030.
Dr Akanbong attributed the long-term reduction partly to greater access to antiretroviral medicines, earlier initiation of treatment and improved retention of people living with HIV in care.
Testing and medicine supply remain challenges
Despite the positive trends, the Ghana AIDS Commission has warned that significant challenges remain.
One of the key concerns is identifying people who are living with HIV but are unaware of their status. Authorities also need to expand access to HIV testing and ensure that people who test positive are promptly linked to treatment and remain in care.
The consistent availability of life-saving HIV medicines is another critical area requiring attention.
Dr Akanbong called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners, healthcare professionals and communities to protect the progress already made.
He said sustained investment in prevention, testing and treatment would be essential if Ghana is to further reduce new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths and move closer to the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
