Programme Manager of the National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NACP) at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, is optimistic that Ghana will meet the UNAIDS global target to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2025.

This assurance comes despite concerns from some civil society organizations (CSOs) within the health sector about Ghana’s ability to meet the UNAIDS global target of eliminating HIV/AIDS by the 2025 deadline.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of an HIV/AIDS sensitization and screening event at Laboma Beach in Accra during the festive season, Dr. Ayisi acknowledged some delays but emphasized that Ghana was still on track to meet the 2025 target.

He explained that his team, alongside other sector stakeholders, had developed a series of programs and strategies aimed at accelerating progress toward achieving the goals set by UNAIDS.

Among these programs, Dr. Ayisi highlighted the upcoming International Conference on AIDS/STIs in Africa, scheduled for December 3 to 8 this year.

He explained, “Apart from raising awareness on HIV, we aim to use this opportunity to also achieve our 95-95-95 target.”

“Throughout this year, we anticipate that all the strategies we are rolling out will help us achieve these objectives and targets.

“We believe the conference will also help bring attention to the relevance and importance of the national response to HIV, strengthen private sector involvement, enhance political leadership, and ensure that our health systems are fortified to better manage HIV and other epidemics and pandemics affecting the country.

“I am quite sure that if we do not relax—look at me here on the 1st of January; it wasn’t like that last year—so, if we sustain the momentum, I’m confident we will be there, in the 90s,” he added.

The UNAIDS 95-95-95 global target requires countries to ensure that 95 percent of people living with HIV are diagnosed, 95 percent of those diagnosed are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of those on ART achieve viral suppression (VLS) by 2025.

Currently, in Ghana, 65 percent of people living with HIV are aware of their status, 69 percent of these individuals are on treatment, and 89 percent have achieved viral suppression.

Dr. Ayisi Addo also mentioned that, in collaboration with the Ghana HIV/AIDS Network (GHANET), other CSOs in the sector, and with support from the Global Fund, the Ghana Health Service had empowered community volunteers to distribute HIV self-test kits. This initiative aims to enhance the testing process at the community level.

The sensitization exercise, which took place from December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025, was designed to raise awareness about HIV, encourage regular testing, and promote continuous adherence to safety protocols such as abstinence and condom use.

On average, about 50 people were screened for the virus each day, while over 50,000 test kits were distributed during the exercise. Additionally, more than 50,000 condoms were given to revelers throughout the period.

The event was organized in partnership with the NACP, with support from the Global Fund.

Mr. Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, President of GHANET, stated that the sensitization exercise was part of the organization’s broader efforts to contribute to the national goal of achieving the global HIV/AIDS targets. He emphasized the importance of regular testing to ensure that more people are aware of their HIV status.

Although he did not disclose the specific number of HIV cases recorded during the exercise, Mr. Ortsin noted that some "reactive cases" were identified.

Looking ahead, Mr. Ortsin explained that the organization plans to expand the exercise to other public spaces to increase the reach and number of people tested.

“We have planned that throughout the year, starting with Valentine’s Day, we will hold numerous activation events in different locations—not just along the beaches, but also in malls and other public areas where people gather,” he said.

He also urged Ghanaians to continue adhering to safety protocols, warning that the virus remains active, and precautions must be maintained.