Ghana recorded 15,290 new HIV infections and 12,614 AIDS-related deaths in 2024, according to data from the National and Sub-National HIV and AIDS Estimates and Projections.

Of the total infections, 10,303, representing 67.4 percent, were females, while 4,987 (32.6 percent) were males.

The data also showed that a total of 334,721 people are currently living with the virus, comprising 229,261 females and 105,460 males.

Among them, 18,229, representing 5.4 percent, are children.

The projections further revealed that the country recorded an average of 42 new HIV infections each day among both children and adults.

Speaking at the launch of the HIV Estimates 2024 in Accra on Thursday, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff, said the figures emphasized the feminization of the HIV epidemic and highlighted the need for Ghana to prioritize women and children in its HIV prevention and response efforts.

She called for urgent action to strengthen community systems, address persistent stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS, and expand access to lifesaving services.

“With only 47 percent of people living with HIV currently on antiretroviral therapy, it is evident that the country must intensify efforts to meet the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets,” she said.

The 95-95-95 targets set by UNAIDS aim to ensure that 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of those on ART achieve viral suppression by 2025.

Currently, the National HIV Projections 2024 show that only 68 percent of people living with HIV in Ghana know their status, 69 percent of those diagnosed are on ART, and 90 percent of those on ART have achieved viral suppression.

The projections also indicated that 229 deaths were averted each week, amounting to a total of 12,358 deaths prevented in 2024 due to the lifesaving impact of ART.

Ms. Bampoe Addo reiterated the government's commitment to sustaining domestic financing for HIV prevention and response, integrating HIV priorities into broader health and development strategies, and adopting innovative, data-driven approaches to enhance service delivery.

She said the estimates would guide resource allocation, policymaking, and community engagement toward controlling the HIV epidemic.

Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, Acting Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), stated that ending the HIV epidemic in Ghana would require collective action, sustained investment, and unwavering solidarity.

“The HIV epidemic continues to affect lives across the country, with some regions and vulnerable populations bearing a disproportionate burden. Addressing these inequalities must remain central to our national response if we are to leave no one behind,” he said.

Dr. Emmanuel Teviu, Acting Programme Manager of the National AIDS Control Programme, noted that while Ghana had made progress in achieving viral suppression among those on treatment, the most significant challenges remain in the first two targets: ensuring that people living with HIV are diagnosed and promptly started on treatment.

He emphasized the need for the country to embrace HIV self-testing to close those gaps.

“Self-testing provides a discreet, convenient, and empowering option for individuals, particularly those who are difficult to reach through traditional facility-based services,” he said.

Dr. Teviu added that HIV self-testing has the potential to expand testing and coverage, especially among men, young people, key populations, and others who may not otherwise engage with the healthcare system.

The National and Sub-National HIV and AIDS Estimates and Projections are conducted annually to serve as a strategic guide for Ghana’s HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support interventions.

The data generated from the estimates is expected to help the country assess progress, identify challenges, and recalibrate its strategies toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

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