The Ghana AIDS Commission just dropped some worrying news: more than half of the folks living with HIV in Ghana aren’t getting the life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) they desperately need.
According to the latest estimates for 2024, out of roughly 335,000 people living with HIV, only about 47% are actually on treatment.
That means a staggering 52.6% are left without the care that can keep them healthy and stop the virus from spreading. This huge gap isn’t just numbers; it’s a real threat to the country’s fight against HIV.
Africa, Ghana AIDS Commission: Missing the Mark on Global HIV Goals
Ghana’s treatment coverage is way behind the UNAIDS’ ambitious “95-95-95” targets. Just to break that down:
- 95% of people with HIV should know their status,
- 95% of those diagnosed should be on treatment, and
- 95% of those on treatment should have their viral loads suppressed, ideally by 2025.
While Ghana has made strides in testing and diagnosing, the Commission points out some stubborn challenges.
The stigma around HIV still runs deep, healthcare access remains patchy, especially in rural spots, and funding isn’t always where it needs to be. These hurdles keep a lot of people from getting the treatment they need.
In 2024 alone, there were about 15,290 new HIV infections and over 12,600 AIDS-related deaths. These numbers make it clear: the fight isn’t over, and the pressure is on to do more — and to do it smarter.
What’s Being Done to Close the Gap
The good news? The Commission and its partners aren’t sitting still. They’re rolling out new, flexible service models aimed at making treatment easier to get and more personalized.
They’re also pushing hard to improve prevention, tackle the stigma head-on, and bring communities into the conversation.
But it’s not just about health workers and clinics, they’re calling on politicians to keep this issue high on the agenda and on funders to step up with more resources. Without strong, coordinated efforts across the board, hitting those UNAIDS targets will stay out of reach.
At the end of the day, closing this treatment gap isn’t just a box to check; it’s about saving lives and turning the tide on HIV in Ghana.
