The Ghana AIDS Commission has announced plans to introduce an HIV preventive vaccine by 2026 as part of efforts to reduce new infections and strengthen the country’s fight against the virus.

The announcement comes at a time when Ghana continues to record high infection rates. National HIV/AIDS data show that more than 15,000 new cases were reported in 2023 alone.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, the Director-General of the Commission, Dr Prosper Akanbong, said the vaccine rollout represents a significant milestone in prevention efforts.

“As a country, we have already put the vaccine as a main component of our HIV prevention programme,” Dr Akanbong said. “Initially, we will secure it from outside, but with the pharmacy organisations that you see here, they have positioned themselves to be able to produce the vaccines locally.”

He explained that the Commission has already begun discussions with pharmaceutical companies to support the process, with help from the German development agency GIZ.

“Together with GIZ, we are on track, and in the latter part of 2026 or the early part of 2027, we should be able to produce vaccines for Ghana,” he added.

The initiative is expected not only to enhance HIV prevention but also to strengthen Ghana’s pharmaceutical capacity by supporting local production.

According to the Ghana AIDS Commission and UNAIDS, an estimated 354,000 people were living with HIV in Ghana in 2023, with women and young people particularly affected. While access to antiretroviral therapy has expanded in recent years, new infections remain high.

The Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Eastern regions currently carry the highest burden of cases. Experts also warn that stigma and limited testing continue to hinder early detection and treatment.

Public health officials say the introduction of a preventive vaccine could be a “game-changer” in reducing transmission rates, especially among high-risk groups.

The Commission is expected to release more details in the coming months on pilot programmes and the groups that will be prioritised during the rollout.