Ghana intensifies efforts to achieve 2030 HIV targets despite nearly 14,000 new infections

Ghana has recorded nearly 14,000 new HIV infections in 2025, with the Greater Accra Region accounting for more than 3,100 cases, raising concerns about the country’s progress towards achieving its HIV prevention and treatment targets by 2030.

The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) says the country remains off track to achieve the global 95-95-95 HIV targets, warning that rising risky sexual behaviour and declining condom use could undermine efforts to curb new infections.

Director of Research and Monitoring at the Ghana AIDS Commission, Isaiah Doe Qwao, has identified heterosexual sexual activity as the major driver of new HIV infections in the country.

He attributed the trend partly to the non-use of condoms, stressing the need for stronger prevention measures to reduce the spread of the virus.

Speaking at the 2026 HIV and AIDS Partnership Forum, Mr. Qwao said Ghana needed to intensify prevention, testing and treatment interventions to close existing gaps and accelerate progress towards the global HIV targets.

The 95-95-95 targets seek to ensure that 95 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral treatment, and 95 per cent of people on treatment achieve viral suppression.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, has expressed confidence that the country can achieve its 2030 HIV targets.

According to him, measures are being proposed to address the gaps identified in the country’s response to HIV and AIDS and improve progress towards the global benchmarks.

Dr. Akanbong said the proposed interventions are expected to strengthen Ghana’s efforts to reduce new infections and improve outcomes for people living with HIV.

The concerns come as Ghana prepares to implement its 2026–2030 National Strategic Plan, which is expected to guide the country’s response to HIV and AIDS over the next five years.

Stakeholders say increased public education, consistent condom use, regular HIV testing, early diagnosis and access to treatment will be critical to reversing the trend and putting Ghana back on course to achieve its 2030 targets.