Ghana Records 15,290 New HIV Infections and 12,614 AIDS-Related Deaths in 2024, 334,721 Living with Virus

Ghana AIDS Commission Sobering Statistics Highlight Urgent Need for Renewed Prevention Efforts Amid Declining Death Rates

The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has released its 2024 National and Sub-National HIV and AIDS Estimates and Projections, revealing that the country recorded an estimated 15,290 new HIV infections and 12,614 AIDS-related deaths last year. The total number of people currently living with HIV stands at 334,721.1a7dce

These figures underscore both the persistent challenge of new transmissions and the progress being made in treatment and care, as AIDS-related deaths have continued to decline.

Key Highlights from the 2024 Report

New Infections: Approximately 15,290 people acquired HIV in 2024. This breaks down to about 42 new infections per day. Females accounted for a higher share (around 67.4% or 10,303 cases), while males accounted for 32.6% (4,987 cases). Youth and young adults remain significantly affected, with notable infections among those aged 15–24.aee999

AIDS-Related Deaths: 12,614 deaths were recorded, representing an 18.5% reduction since 2020. This improvement is largely attributed to wider access to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

People Living with HIV: The total stands at 334,721, with a national adult HIV prevalence of about 1.49%. Greater Accra and Ashanti regions contributed the largest shares of new infections.78b914

Progress and Challenges

While new infections persist, Ghana has made notable strides in its HIV response. Access to treatment has expanded, contributing to fewer deaths. However, gaps remain in awareness, testing, and prevention, particularly among key populations and younger demographics.

Health experts emphasize that a significant portion of new infections are sexually transmitted, calling for intensified education, condom promotion, and targeted interventions for high-risk groups.

Call to Action

The Ghana AIDS Commission and partners continue to push for the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets (95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of those on treatment, and 95% of those virally suppressed).

What You Can Do:

Get tested regularly and know your status.

Use protection consistently.

Seek immediate treatment if positive- effective ART can lead to undetectable viral loads, preventing transmission.

Support community awareness campaigns and reduce stigma around HIV.

The fight against HIV/AIDS in Ghana requires collective action from government, civil society, healthcare providers, and individuals. While the declining death toll offers hope, sustained efforts are critical to curb new infections and move closer to ending AIDS as a public health threat.