An estimated 50 people are infected with HIV every day in Ghana, according to the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC).
The alarming statistic was revealed during the release of the 2023 national and sub-national HIV and AIDS estimates and projections.
The data indicates that 17,774 new HIV infections were recorded in 2023, with 16,076 adults (15 years and older) and 1,698 children (below 15 years) affected. Currently, 334,095 people in Ghana are living with HIV/AIDS, including 17,550 children under 15.
The report highlighted that the majority of new infections occur among people aged 15 to 49, a group considered the economically active population.
Regions with the highest numbers of people living with HIV include:
- Greater Accra
- Ashanti
- Eastern Region
At the district level, the highest HIV prevalence was recorded in:
- Accra Metropolitan Area
- Kumasi Metropolitan Area
- Ledzokuku Municipality
Despite a decline in new infections and AIDS-related deaths, the rate of decline is not sufficient to meet national HIV reduction targets.
Speaking at a media engagement on the findings, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, emphasized that while Ghana has made progress in its HIV intervention programs, more must be done to achieve national and global targets.
“We have made significant strides, but we need to accelerate our efforts to reach the 95-95-95 target by 2025 and 98-98-98 by 2030,” Dr. Atuahene stated.
Challenges such as data capture, validation, and quality assurance continue to hinder progress, while mother-to-child transmission remains a concern due to gaps in the healthcare system.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including UNAIDS, WHO, PEPFAR, and the Ghana Health Service.
With 50 new infections recorded daily, stakeholders are urging collective efforts to enhance public awareness, improve healthcare services, and ensure early testing and treatment.
The Ghana AIDS Commission reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the epidemic, calling for stronger partnerships and community involvement to curb new infections and support those affected.