Ghana has recorded a significant decline in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths in 2025. The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) reported new HIV infections decreased from 16,189 in 2024 to 13,951 in 2025. AIDS-related deaths also fell from 13,429 to 12,051 during the same period, marking a nearly 14% reduction.
This improvement stems from sustained investments in HIV testing, treatment, and care services across the nation. The GAC's 2025 National HIV Estimates and Projections report highlights the positive impact of these public health efforts. Approximately 337,435 people of all ages currently live with HIV in Ghana, with 315,513 being adults aged 15 and above.
The reduction in HIV prevalence aligns with Ghana's broader public health goals and economic stability. A healthier workforce contributes to increased productivity and reduced healthcare expenditures, which are crucial for national development. The adult HIV prevalence among persons aged 15 to 49 years has declined from 1.79% in 2015 to 1.40% in 2025, indicating a positive long-term trend.
Isaiah Doe Kwao, Director for Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ghana AIDS Commission, presented the report in Accra on July 20. He stated, "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." Dr. Kharmacelle Akanbong, Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, emphasized that preventing new infections remains central to Ghana’s strategy to end AIDS as a public health threat.
Ghana aims to further reduce new HIV infections from 13,951 in 2025 to about 6,430 by 2030. AIDS-related deaths are also projected to decline from 12,051 in 2025 to approximately 4,893 by 2030. These targets depend on continued improvements in prevention programmes, testing services, and treatment coverage. The decline in prevalence is also attributed to increased access to antiretroviral medicines, early treatment initiation, and improved patient retention in HIV care.
Challenges persist, including identifying individuals unaware of their HIV status, expanding testing services, and ensuring a consistent supply of medicines. Dr. Akanbong called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners, healthcare workers, and communities. This collective effort is vital to sustain the gains made in the HIV response. Continued investment in prevention, testing, and treatment services will be critical as Ghana works towards achieving the global target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. This sustained effort will have positive economic implications, freeing up resources that would otherwise be spent on managing advanced HIV cases.