The Ghana AIDS Commission has revealed that more than 23,000 people are currently living with HIV in the Western Region, with an estimated three new infections recorded daily.
The figures were highlighted in a video shared by Citi FM 97.3 on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during an interview with a representative from the Commission.
Presenting the 2025 HIV estimates and projections, he explained that while treatment is proving effective, new infections continue to undermine progress.
“For the Western Region, we have about 23,000-plus people that we estimate are living with the virus in the region. If you look at our new infections, it has reduced slightly from somewhere around 992 persons newly infected with HIV. What this means is that every day we are getting at least three people infected in the region.”
The Commission stressed that treatment alone cannot deliver the desired results if new infections persist, warning that reducing the rate of new infections remains critical if Ghana is to achieve its national goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
“HIV treatment is working, but then we cannot make any gain if the treatment that is working is being, in a way, countered with new infections. New infections are key for us, because if people are still getting infected, then it means our ambition to end AIDS by 2030 becomes a bit challenging.”
“If you look at the trajectory, even at the national level, the age group 15 to 24 is coming up strongly because the infection is a bit high among that group. Some of the preventive messages we have put there show that prevention has moved beyond just awareness creation.”
Officials highlighted that young people remain particularly vulnerable, with infections rising among those aged 15 to 24.
“We are saying that condoms really can help in preventing HIV. But then let’s add other preventive options. Let’s look at biomedical issues, behavioural issues, and structural issues. And so if someone is not able to access condoms and the person is living a high-risk sexual behaviour, there’s also PrEP, pre-exposure.”
The Commission further stressed the importance of intensified prevention efforts, treatment adherence, and public awareness to curb the ongoing transmission of the virus in the region.
Recent regional data have shown persistently high numbers of new cases in previous years, placing the Western Region among areas requiring sustained intervention.
The Commission continues to urge communities to prioritise testing, safe practices, and support for those living with HIV as part of the broader national response.