The Ghanaian government is exploring the possibility of producing HIV medicines and other essential health commodities locally and regionally. This initiative aims to strengthen supply security and sustain the national HIV response. By reducing reliance on international supply chains, Ghana hopes to mitigate the risks associated with fluctuations in external health financing. The move is also expected to strengthen national capacity to sustain HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care services.
The announcement was made by Dr. Alhaji Abubakar Wayo, Chief Director at the Office of the President, at the 15th National HIV and AIDS Partnership Forum in Accra. The forum, held on the theme "40 Years of HIV Response in Ghana, Celebrating Partnerships, Transforming Lives, Sustaining the Future," brought together stakeholders to assess progress in the national HIV response and explore ways to mobilize resources to sustain the gains. Dr. Wayo emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed the risks of depending heavily on international supply chains for essential health commodities.
The government's initiative seeks to complement existing procurement arrangements, ensuring access to quality-assured commodities. Dr. Wayo appealed to government agencies, research institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, regulators, and development partners to identify viable manufacturing opportunities. He stressed that local production should not disrupt access to quality-assured commodities already available through established procurement arrangements.
Ghana's progress in the HIV response over the past four decades has relied on partnerships among government institutions, international development partners, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and communities affected by HIV. Dr. Wayo emphasized that sustaining the response required stronger domestic financing and national capacity to maintain essential services. He advocated for innovative financing mechanisms, responsible private-sector contributions, and increased budgetary allocations for HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care.
According to national estimates, Ghana recorded 13,951 new HIV infections and 12,051 AIDS-related deaths in 2025, while an estimated 337,435 people were living with HIV. These figures underscore the need to maintain a reliable supply of medicines while expanding targeted prevention programs to reduce new infections. Dr. Wayo stressed that improved access to HIV medicines must be matched by stronger prevention efforts.
Dr. Wayo advocated for wider access to voluntary HIV testing, self-testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and accurate health information, particularly for young people. He also emphasized the need for stronger measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Pregnant women living with HIV must receive timely treatment and support, while people who tested positive must be linked promptly to appropriate care and supported to remain on treatment.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to strengthen national ownership of the response, improve access to essential services, and help end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Dr. Wayo asked ministries, departments, and agencies to assess how their policies, programs, and budgets could support the national HIV response. He also appealed to traditional authorities, religious leaders, educational institutions, employers, and civil society organizations to support public education, HIV prevention, and access to services.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government is exploring local and regional production of HIV medicines to reduce reliance on international supply chains.
- The initiative aims to strengthen national capacity to sustain HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care services.
- Ghana recorded 13,951 new HIV infections and 12,051 AIDS-related deaths in 2025.
