The government has urged corporate Ghana to play a more active role in the national fight against HIV as the country commemorates World AIDS Day 2025.

In an official statement released on Monday, December 1, the government stressed that HIV has direct implications for productivity, workforce wellbeing and long-term economic growth, making the involvement of businesses crucial for sustaining national progress.

The national sub-theme for this year’s commemoration, “Africa Unites Against AIDS”, captures the shared responsibility of governments, institutions and communities across the continent.

Ghana continues to face a heavy disease burden, with national data showing over 334,700 people currently living with HIV.

In 2024, the country recorded 15,200 new HIV infections and more than 12,600 AIDS-related deaths.

The government warned that stigma remains “unacceptably high”, limiting access to life-saving services and discouraging early testing.

To fortify the national response, a number of policy interventions have been introduced.

These include the Cabinet’s approval of a revised National Workplace HIV and Wellness Policy, which provides guidelines for prevention, anti-stigma measures and worker protection.

The government has also introduced the National HIV Response Sustainability Roadmap, aimed at reducing dependence on external assistance and boosting domestic resource mobilisation.

The government is appealing to private sector institutions to adopt workplace HIV policies, support community testing programmes, and partner with the national response to improve awareness and prevention.

Citizens are also encouraged to test regularly, particularly through HIV self-testing kits, protect their status, and seek prompt treatment when necessary.

The statement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP and Minister for Government Communications, underscored the role of collective action in securing a future where HIV no longer threatens Ghana’s development.