Ghana is making steady progress in the fight against HIV, but for thousands of families, the epidemic is far from over.
The latest national and sub-national HIV estimates released by the Ghana AIDS Commission show that new HIV infections declined from 15,290 in 2024 to 13,951 in 2025 a reduction of more than eight percent.
Yet behind the numbers are real people whose lives are changed by a diagnosis that still carries stigma, emotional distress and financial hardship.
As Ghana works towards ending AIDS as a public health threat, the latest figures offer both hope and a reminder that the fight is not yet won.
AIDS-related deaths and HIV prevalence have also continued to fall, a trend health experts attribute largely to increased access to antiretroviral therapy.
Greater Accra continues to record the highest number of new infections with 3,141 cases, while the North East Region recorded the lowest at 108.
Young people and adults remain the most affected, with those aged 15 years and above accounting for more than 91 percent of all new infections, underscoring the need for targeted prevention efforts among the country’s economically active population.
Programme Manager for the National AIDS Control Programm Dr Emmanuel Teviu says focus will be intense on the youth to sustain the gains made and further reduce infections.
‘‘These gains mean a lot to the disease management in the country. It means we are making progress though small. It has also given us a lot of information as to the gaps that need more attention. Because aside the gains made with the reduction in new infections, the issue remains that the new cases are high among the youth. And so it’s an area we will be looking at other innovative ways to address. And also the fact that little attention is paid to children living with the disease.’’ He explained.
Despite the progress, a major gap remains. More than 100,000 people are estimated to be living with HIV without knowing their status or are yet to be linked to treatment.
Health experts warn that late diagnosis continues to fuel new infections and preventable deaths.
Dr. Kharmacelle Akanbong, the Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission said, ‘‘The gains demonstrate that sustained investment in testing, treatment and prevention is working. However, we urging Ghanaians to know their status, seek early treatment and reject stigma.”
“Ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030 will require collective action from individuals, communities and government. Progress is also advanced to ensure funding gaps are bridged to sustain gains’’. He noted.
An estimated 334,721 people are currently living with HIV in Ghana. Of these, 227,593 know their HIV status, 156,821 are receiving life-saving antiretroviral treatment, and 140,357 have achieved viral suppression.
