The latest Global HIV Estimates for 2024 show that 0.7% of people aged 15–49 are living with HIV. Worldwide, 40.8 million people are living with AIDS, including 14 million children aged 0–14 years. About 5.3 million people are unaware that they are HIV-positive, and an estimated 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2024.
In Ghana, approximately 334,721 people are living with HIV. Of this number, 105,460 (31.5%) are male, while 229,261 (68.5%) are female.
President of the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network, Ernest Amoabeng, described the situation as alarming, attributing it to a decline in public awareness campaigns due to inadequate funding. “Since 2010, the Global Fund has shifted its focus to treatment, and the Government of Ghana has also not been forthcoming with resources for awareness campaigns.
As a result, many young people, especially members of Gen Z, are growing up unaware of the disease and its devastating effects,” he said.
Speaking during an interview at the MELSSA Health Week 2025 Scientific Conference, organized in collaboration with the University of Ghana Medical Laboratory Students’ Association, Mr. Amoabeng revealed that condom use among young people has declined and that stigma continues to be a major barrier to treatment.
“Children are diagnosed, but because of stigma, their mothers often refuse to give them medication out of fear of being questioned. Many people avoid seeking treatment for the same reason. We must address this stigma,” he explained.
He therefore called on the government to activate and adequately resource the National HIV and AIDS Fund to intensify public education efforts.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on the government to operationalize the National HIV and AIDS Fund with the necessary resources so that we can wage an effective campaign and raise awareness,” he appealed.
By Bawa Musah
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