The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called for collective action from government, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to sustain Ghana’s progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Speaking at the launch of the National HIV Response Sustainability Roadmap in Accra, she described the initiative as both “timely and strategic”, noting that it provides a clear pathway to safeguard Ghana’s gains in HIV prevention and treatment while preparing for the future.
“For over two decades, Ghana has made remarkable progress in reducing new infections and ensuring that persons living with HIV can access treatment and live with dignity,”
“Yet our work is far from complete. Sustainability means that we must move from dependency on external funding towards a nationally owned, resilient and well-financed HIV response,” she said.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening domestic resource mobilisation, including the National HIV and AIDS Fund, while integrating HIV services into broader health and social protection systems.
She noted the importance of inclusivity, particularly for women, children, and key populations who continue to face stigma and vulnerability.
Dr. Naa Momo Lartey further assured that her ministry would work closely with the Ghana AIDS Commission, civil society, and community networks to ensure that social protection interventions address the lived experiences of persons living with HIV.
But she stressed that the government alone cannot guarantee sustainability.
She called on development partners to continue providing technical support, the private sector to view HIV investments as investments in a healthier and more productive workforce, and civil society to hold institutions accountable by ensuring policies translate into grassroots action.
“Ultimately, ending stigma and sustaining Ghana’s HIV response requires the solidarity of all Ghanaians,” she added, urging citizens to contribute actively to the roadmap’s success.
Acting Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kharmacelle Proser Akanbong, described the launch as “a milestone in Ghana’s collective efforts towards a resilient, integrated and sustainable HIV response.”
He noted that the roadmap was the result of months of technical work, broad consultations, and shared commitment across government, civil society, the private sector, academia, and communities of people living with HIV.
Dr. Akanbong commended UNAIDS and the Technical Working Group on Sustainability for their contributions and underscored the importance of private sector participation, particularly in the development of local commodities critical to sustaining the HIV response.
He warned that the financing landscape is shifting, with donor support sharply declining, making it imperative for Ghana to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation and explore innovative financing mechanisms.
“Sustainability is not simply a financial challenge,” he said. “It requires strong political commitment, policy coherence, and collective resolve. This is not the task of one institution or one ministry, but a shared national responsibility.”
Calling on all stakeholders to become “ambassadors for sustainability,” he stressed that the roadmap was not an end in itself but “a means to a greater end—a nationally owned HIV response that is responsive to the needs of all.”
The Country Director of UNAIDS, Hector Sucilla Perez, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Ghana in achieving its 2030 target of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
He praised the leadership of the Ghana AIDS Commission, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the National Health Insurance Authority for steering the process, describing the roadmap as “not just another policy paper, but a strategic pathway to a resilient, nationally owned HIV response.”
He explained that the roadmap identifies key building blocks, including stronger domestic resource mobilisation, improved efficiency and accountability in financing, embedding HIV services into broader health and social protection systems, and elevating the role of communities and civil society.
He cautioned that declining donor support and tight fiscal space demand bold action from all stakeholders.
“Ending AIDS in Ghana by 2030 will require strong collaboration between public institutions, the private sector, civil society, development partners and affected communities.
“Sustainable financing must translate into sustainable access to testing, treatment, care and prevention. This roadmap is not the end of a process, but the beginning of a renewed journey,”he stressed.
Hector Perez urged government leaders, parliamentarians, faith-based groups, and the private sector to join efforts in securing a fully funded response so that no one is left behind.
He further encouraged the development of Part B of the roadmap, which will focus on transformation plans to complement the current framework.
