2024: Ghana Sees Over 15,000 New HIV Cases
As Ghana joined the global community to mark World AIDS Day on Monday, December 1, 2025, new data released by the Ghana AIDS Commission revealed concerning trends in the nation’s fight against HIV/AIDS. According to the Commission, 15,290 new HIV infections and 12,614 AIDS-related deaths were recorded in 2024 — figures that highlight the urgent need for renewed national commitment.
The statistics were shared in an official statement by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State responsible for Government Communications, who emphasized that despite significant progress made over the years, HIV remains a major public health challenge in Ghana.
Major Setback: The “Halt Work” Directive
The government acknowledged that the ongoing “halt work” directive issued by the U.S. government to GHANET has created disruptions in key HIV prevention and treatment efforts. This policy shift has slowed ongoing programs and reduced external support, further complicating national strategies to control the epidemic.
Over 334,700 Ghanaians Living With HIV
Beyond the newly recorded cases, national estimates indicate that more than 334,700 people are currently living with HIV in the country. These numbers underscore the need for comprehensive intervention, particularly at a time when global funding has become increasingly unpredictable.
Rising Infections Among the Youth
The Ghana AIDS Commission expressed growing concern over the rise in HIV infections among young people aged 15–24. The increase has largely been attributed to declining condom use, a trend health experts consider alarming. Young people, they say, remain one of the most vulnerable groups and require targeted education and prevention campaigns.
Government Responds With Strategic Reforms
In response to the emerging challenges, the government has intensified its action plan:
Presidential directive for funding: In February 2025, the president instructed the Ministry of Finance to secure funding for essential HIV services as external support continues to decline.
Updated National Workplace HIV and Wellness Policy: Cabinet approval has been granted for the revised policy, which aims to reduce stigma, protect workers, and promote HIV prevention in workplaces nationwide.
National HIV Response Sustainability Roadmap: The government has introduced a long-term framework to:
Ensure domestic financing
Expand access to treatment and prevention.
Strengthen national resilience against future disruptions
These measures, the Minister said, reflect a commitment to building a sustainable and self-reliant national response.
World AIDS Day 2025: A Call to ‘Rethink, Rebuild, and Rise’
World AIDS Day is commemorated globally each year on December 1 as a time to:
Raise awareness
Show support for people living with HIV
Honor the memory of those lost to the disease
The 2025 theme, “Rethink, Rebuild, and Rise,” calls on nations — including Ghana — to re-examine existing strategies, rebuild systems weakened by funding gaps, and rise to meet new challenges with resilience and innovation.
A Renewed Commitment to Protecting Lives
As Ghana reflects on its progress and setbacks, the government is urging all citizens, partners, and organizations to recommit to ending AIDS as a public health threat. With rising youth infections and shifting global support, the path ahead demands both innovation and collective responsibility.
World AIDS Day is more than a day of remembrance — it is a reminder that the fight is far from over, and every action counts.
