World AIDS Day: Ghana Urged to Sustain Momentum Toward an AIDS-Free Future

Ghana joined the global community on Monday, 1 December 2025 to mark World AIDS Day, a moment of reflection, solidarity and renewed commitment to ending the HIV epidemic. The day honours progress made over the years, remembers those who have passed, and reinforces the shared responsibility to achieve an AIDS-free Ghana.

This year’s global theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” underscores the need to build systems that remain strong even in the face of social and economic setbacks. Ghana’s national theme, “Africa Unites Against AIDS,” highlights collaboration across the continent to accelerate progress and safeguard the health and wellbeing of all people.

In a statement issued by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, government acknowledged that Ghana has recorded commendable results from evidence-based prevention, treatment and care interventions. Expanded access to antiretroviral therapy, increased testing platforms and stronger community-based programmes have contributed to steady gains.

Despite this progress, AIDS remains a major public health concern. Current estimates show that more than 334,700 people in Ghana are living with HIV. In 2024 alone, the country reported more than 15,200 new infections and over 12,600 AIDS-related deaths. Prevention efforts have not been consistently sustained in all regions, and stigma toward persons living with HIV continues to discourage testing, treatment and disclosure.

To secure the continuity of essential services at a time of declining global donor support, government has taken strategic steps. In February 2025, the President directed the Ministry of Finance to secure funding for core HIV services to close the financing gap. Cabinet has also approved a revised National Workplace HIV and Wellness Policy to support prevention in corporate spaces, address stigma and protect employees. In addition, the National HIV Response Sustainability Roadmap has been launched to guide domestic resource mobilisation and expand access to prevention and treatment services while strengthening long-term resilience.

A key priority in the next phase of the response, the statement emphasised, is stronger private sector participation. HIV affects workforce productivity, health expenditures and economic growth. Businesses are therefore encouraged to invest in workplace programmes, support awareness campaigns, and create safe environments that protect the dignity and rights of all employees.

Public, private and civil society stakeholders were commended for their leadership over the years. Their combined efforts have saved countless lives and helped communities maintain hope.

Speaking as part of the World AIDS Day commemoration, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh stressed the need to confront stigma head-on. He noted that fear of discrimination discourages people from testing and knowing their status, which disrupts national efforts to reduce new infections. He called on the public to promote compassion rather than judgement, and to champion testing and treatment uptake.

“Let us all be part because we are all at risk,” he said, adding that government remains committed to strengthening Ghana’s HIV response.

As the world reflects on World AIDS Day, the path forward requires unity, compassion and shared responsibility. Ghana has made measurable strides, but sustaining progress depends on collective action across households, workplaces, communities and institutions. Every individual, organisation and leader has a role to play in ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV.

Source: 3news.com