The National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NACP) has called for urgent nationwide collective action to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

The call follows the spike in HIV new infections in the country, with 15,290 new infection cases recorded in 2024, approximately 42 new infections every single day.

Speaking at a news conference in Accra on Tuesday to commemorate this year’s World AIDS Day, Dr Emmanuel Akwoulo Agyigewe Teviu, Programme Manager, NACP, described the situation as “concerning”, stressing the need for immediate action to reverse the trend.

According to the 2024 national and sub-national HIV/AIDS estimates and projections, 334,721 people are living with HIV in Ghana, out of which 229,261 are female and 105,460 male. Also, 12,614 AIDS-related deaths were recorded in 2024 as well.

Additionally, 67.4 per cent of all new infections are among females, with children constituting 5.4 per cent of people living with HIV AIDS, which translates into 18,229 infections for children.

Currently, the country’s National adult HIV prevalence stood at 1.49 per cent.

Dr Teviu said these numbers highlighted the urgent need for collective action in the national response in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“These numbers represent our mothers, fathers, daughters, sisters, brothers, and friends,” he stressed.

“We have the tools. We have the knowledge. What we need now is collective action from government, civil society, communities, and every individual.”

Dr Teviu also said Ghana’s performance against the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets remained a major concern, currently standing at 68-69-90.

The UNAIDS 95-95-95 global target requires nations to ensure that 95 per cent of people living with HIV are diagnosed, 95 per cent of those diagnosed with HIV are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 per cent of all those receiving ART achieve viral suppression (VLS) by 2025.

Dr Teviu noted that the country’s biggest gaps laid in the first two targets, which focused on identifying people living with HIV and ensuring prompt initiation of treatment.

“Our problem is not treatment effectiveness; our problem is finding people and getting them started on treatment,” he stressed.

He, therefore, called for more resources to be committed to fight against the virus to ensure the country achieves the targets.

However, despite these gaps, Dr. Teviu indicated that the country had made significant strides in combating the disease, noting that in 2024 alone, 12,358 deaths were prevented through antiretroviral therapy (ART), saving an average of 229 lives each week.

He also cited the attainment of 90 per cent viral suppression among those on treatment, describing it as clear evidence that Ghana’s treatment regime was effective.

“Ninety percent viral suppression is proof that when people access treatment, they live long, healthy lives,” Dr Teviu noted.

He urged more Ghanaians to prioritise HIV testing, encouraging those who test positive to immediately start ART treatment to better their chances of staying healthy and living longer.

“Testing is the gateway. If you don’t know your status, you cannot protect yourself or access life-saving care,” the spokesperson stressed.

“With early and consistent treatment, you can achieve viral suppression and live a full life. When your viral load is undetectable, you cannot transmit HIV, what we call U=U,” he explained.

With women bearing the disproportionate burden of HIV in Ghana, Dr Teviu called for strengthened prevention programmes, address gender-based violence, ensure economic empowerment, and provide woman-centred care.

He also called for a renewed efforts to end stigma and discrimination against persons living with the virus to ensure their safety.

“Stigma kills. Silence kills. We must create communities where everyone feels safe to seek help,” Dr Teviu added.