The Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) has revealed that over 4,500 people died from HIV/AIDS-related illnesses in 2024.

“From January to September 2024, 4,500 people lost their lives to HIV/AIDS, compared to 12,000 deaths recorded the previous year,” the Programme Manager, Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, disclosed.

“We have introduced HIV self-testing, which empowers individuals to know their status in the convenience of their homes.”

Dr. Ayisi Addo emphasised that with the availability of test kits and adequate antiretroviral treatment, no one should die from AIDS.

He noted that through the collaborative efforts of GHANET and the Global Fund, community volunteers have been empowered to distribute HIV self-testing kits across various communities.

The National HIV and AIDS Control Programme is set to host nearly 10,000 participants in Ghana for the International Conference on AIDS and STIs, one of the largest such gatherings in Africa.

Dr. Ayisi Addo highlighted that, beyond raising awareness, the program aims to achieve the ambitious 95-95-95 target.

This goal envisions that 95% of the population will know their HIV status, 95% of those diagnosed will be on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment will achieve viral suppression.

“We are currently at 65% of the population knowing their HIV status. Among them, 69% are on treatment, and 89% have achieved viral suppression. We are working towards reaching the 95% target in all these areas,” Dr. Ayisi Addo stated.

“With the strategies we are implementing, we anticipate significant progress this year. Achieving these targets will pave the way for a future free of HIV/AIDS.”