News · Gloria Atiase

MORE THAN 337,000 PEOPLE IN GHANA LIVING WITH HIV

Statistics from the Ghana Aids Commission's 2025 HIV estimate report indicate that more than 337 thousand people are currently living with HIV across, while nearly 14 thousand new infections and over 12 AIDS-related deaths were recorded during the same.

The report reveals that although prevention of mother-to-child transmission has reached almost universal coverage, significant gaps remain in treatment access, particularly among children. Out of the number 315 thousand 513 were adults aged 15 years and above, while 21 thousand 922 were children aged between zero and 14 years. Young people continue to carry a significant share of the burden, with 19 thousand 528 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years living with the virus.

The report further noted 13 thousand 951 new HIV infections, including 12 thousand 724 among adults and one thousand 227 among children were recorded. Young people aged 15 to 24 years accounted for three thousand 835 new infections, underscoring the continued vulnerability of adolescents and young adults.  Despite advances in HIV prevention and treatment, the epidemic continues to claim lives. The report noted that 12 thousand and 51 AIDS-related deaths, including 10 thousand 533 among adults and one thousand 518 among children were recorded. 

On treatment, the data show that 57-point six percent of adults living with HIV are receiving antiretroviral therapy, ART, while children's ART coverage stands at only 39-point six percent, highlighting a critical need to improve access to life-saving treatment for younger patients. 

The report, however, points to a major public health success in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission, PMTCT of HIV, with coverage reaching 98-point nine percent, helping to protect thousands of babies from acquiring the virus at birth.

Progress toward the global 95-95-95 HIV targets also showed mixed results. About 70 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 81 percent of those diagnosed are receiving treatment, and 92 percent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression. While viral suppression among those receiving treatment is encouraging, the country still has considerable ground to cover to achieve the first two global targets. 

Health experts warn the latest estimates reinforce the need to intensify HIV testing, expand treatment coverage, particularly for children and young people, and sustain prevention efforts to reduce new infections and AIDS-related deaths. The report also includes sub-national HIV estimates detailing the number of people living with HIV across regions and districts, providing data to guide targeted interventions and resource allocation.