The National HIV and AIDS, STI Policy (2013) was revised to respond to the evolving dynamics of Ghana’s HIV epidemic and emerging global commitments. Although national adult HIV prevalence had stabilised at approximately 1.5%, new infections continued to occur, particularly among youth and key populations such as female sex workers and men who have sex with men. Persistent stigma and discrimination, gender inequalities, weak decentralised leadership, resource constraints, and health system gaps threatened progress. The policy therefore seeks to consolidate gains, address structural drivers of infection, and strengthen a multisectoral, rights-based national response.

The overall goal of the policy is to create a favourable environment for comprehensive HIV and STI prevention, treatment, care and support, with the long-term vision of zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero discrimination. Key objectives include halting and reversing new infections; eliminating mother-to-child transmission (MTCT); reducing HIV-related morbidity and mortality; protecting the human rights of persons living with HIV (PLHIV); mitigating socio-economic impacts on households and vulnerable groups; and ensuring gender-sensitive, evidence-informed programming.

The policy adopts integrated strategies covering prevention (behaviour change communication, HIV testing and counselling, elimination of MTCT, condom promotion, STI management, PrEP, PEP and surveillance); treatment, care and support (ART scale-up, nutrition, psychosocial services); mitigation (reducing stigma, addressing gender norms, supporting orphans and vulnerable children); health and community systems strengthening; workplace interventions; research, monitoring and evaluation; and sustainable financing through a proposed HIV and AIDS Fund.

Implementation is coordinated by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) under the Office of the President, working closely with the Ministry of Health, NACP, MDAs, MMDAs, civil society, the private sector and development partners. The policy emphasises decentralised coordination structures, multisectoral accountability and sustained resource mobilisation. Through these measures, Ghana seeks to safeguard public health, protect human rights and sustain national development gains in the face of the HIV epidemic.