The country recorded more than 12,600 AIDS-related deaths last year, a new data by the government has revealed.
The data, contained in a press statement released in commemoration of the World AIDS Day, also recorded 15,200 new infections with more than 334,700 people living with HIV in the country.
This year’s global celebration themed, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” emphasises the need for resilient health systems capable of sustaining services amid shocks, while the national theme, “Africa Unites against AIDS,” stresses on regional cooperation and shared responsibility in protecting the health of citizens.
In a statement, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, described the day as an opportunity for reflection, solidarity, and renewed commitment to achieving an AIDS-free Ghana.
He said the government announced decisive measures to safeguard necessary HIV services in the middle of declining external funds.
“The President directed the Ministry of Finance to secure funding for core HIV services in February 2025.
The Cabinet also approved a revised National Workplace HIV and Wellness Policy to strengthen prevention, reduce stigma, and protect workers from the disease,” he said.
The statement emphasised the crucial role of the private sector, noting that HIV continues to impact workforce productivity and economic growth, urging businesses to invest in workplace HIV programmes, support awareness campaigns, and implement policies that protect their employees.
Low Condom Usage
The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) recently raised an alarm over the declining use of condoms among young people, attributing the trend to a reduced fear of HIV and AIDS infections.
Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at GAC, Isaiah Doe Kwao, said that while condoms remain widely available, many young people are becoming complacent about their sexual health, engaging in unprotected sex despite the risks.
“Even though we have condoms in this country, it appears the youth of today are not using them as we would want,” he said at the 14th National Partnership Forum on HIV and AIDS in Accra.
He explained that some young people prefer “going raw” and believe HIV is no longer deadly because fewer deaths are visible.
Mr. Kwao described such perceptions as dangerous, emphasising that condoms remain one of the most effective tools for preventing HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies.
“As much as possible, we continue to encourage them to reduce risky behaviours. Condom use is still key in preventing HIV and other infections. We advise them to either abstain, remain faithful to one partner, or use condoms consistently and correctly,” he said.
He urged young people to prioritise their health, noting their wellbeing is vital to Ghana’s future development.
2025 ICASA High Level Talks
Meanwhile, the country is gearing up to host the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA 2025) on December 3, 2025.
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Global Public Health Institute, in collaboration with The Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA), will host a high-level summit on Regional Health Leadership and Sustainable Financing in Africa after the opening ceremony of ICASA.
The event aims to catalyse African-led solutions to strengthen public health leadership, promote sustainable health financing, and bolster regional manufacturing to ensure the continent’s resilience against future health crises.
Aligned with the Africa CDC’s New Public Health Order and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the summit will unite heads of state from Ghana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ministers of health and finance, development partners, parliamentarians, civil society, and private sector leaders to advance dialogue and commitment toward a more equitable, self-reliant health future for Africa.
Building on decades of experience in tackling the HIV epidemic, African leaders and global health partners will explore lessons learned from the continent’s HIV response to shape sustainable, inclusive pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response and health financing models.
“Sustainable health financing and regional production are not just political priorities—they are imperatives for Africa’s health security and prosperity,” said Dr. Jorge Saavedra, Executive Director of the AHF Global Public Health Institute. “This summit underscores the need for bold leadership, innovative financing, and cross-sector collaboration to secure the continent’s health future.”
By Florence Asamoah Adom