Ghana recorded 15,290 new HIV infections and 12,614 AIDS-related deaths in 2024, according to the latest National and Sub-National HIV and AIDS Estimates and Projections released by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC).
The report revealed that 334,721 people are currently living with HIV across the country, highlighting the continued public health challenge despite ongoing prevention and treatment efforts. Women remain disproportionately affected, accounting for 229,261 of those living with the virus, while 105,460 are men. Children make up 18,229 of the total number of people living with HIV, representing 5.4 percent of all recorded cases.
According to the estimates, Ghana recorded an average of 42 new HIV infections every day during 2024, underscoring the need for intensified prevention campaigns and improved access to testing and treatment services. Of the new infections, 10,303 (67.4%) occurred among females, while 4,987 (32.6%) were males, reinforcing concerns about the disproportionate impact of the epidemic on women and girls.
Speaking at the launch of the report in Accra, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo described the figures as a wake-up call for the nation. She urged government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, and communities to strengthen efforts to combat HIV by expanding prevention programmes, reducing stigma and discrimination, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services.
The report also showed that Ghana is yet to meet the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. Currently, about 68 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 69 percent of those diagnosed are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 90 percent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression. Health experts say improving the first two indicators remains critical if Ghana is to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Despite the concerning figures, the Commission highlighted the positive impact of antiretroviral treatment, noting that lifesaving ART prevented approximately 12,358 deaths during 2024, with an estimated 229 deaths averted every week. Officials stressed that sustained funding and expanded treatment coverage will be essential to maintaining these gains.
The Ghana AIDS Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working with government, healthcare providers, and development partners to strengthen HIV prevention, improve testing coverage, expand treatment services, and eliminate stigma against people living with HIV. The Commission also encouraged Ghanaians to undergo regular HIV testing, practise safe behaviours, and support national efforts to reduce new infections.
