According to the 2023 HIV Estimates and Projection report, 92% of people living with HIV are concentrated in the southern part of the country.
The report revealed that Accra Metro has the highest number of people living with HIV, followed closely by Kumasi and other districts in the south.
In fact, the top 10 districts with the highest number of people living with HIV are all located in the south, with:
– Accra Metro having the highest number at 6,688
– Kumasi following closely with 5,437
– Ledzokuku with 5,419
– Ga West with 5,271
– Tema with 5,118
– Kpone-Katamanso with 4,952
– Lower Manya Krobo with 4,925
– Techiman Municipal with 4,850
– La Nkwantanang-Madina with 4,323
– Afigya Kwabre South with 4,158
But that’s not all – there’s been a 9% increase in HIV population from 2013 to 2023, with a total of 334,095 people across Ghana living with HIV in 2023. Of that number, 17,550 are children under 15, while adults aged 15+ make up 316,545.
Here’s the breakdown:
– 65.3% are women and girls
– 5% are adolescents aged 10-19
– 10% are young people aged 15-24
– 85% are adults aged 25+
The good news is that many people living with HIV in Ghana know their status – 65% to be exact. And of those who know their status, 69% are on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), with 89% achieving viral suppression.
But there’s more to be done! To combat HIV/AIDS, we need to:
– Increase access to Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART)
– Educate communities about HIV prevention and treatment
– Combat stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV
– Promote condom use and abstinence
– Support those living with HIV and their families
As we mark World AIDS Day on December 1st, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and recommit to supporting those living with HIV and preventing new infections.
