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. “As a country, we have already put the vaccine as a main component of our HIV prevention programme,” Dr Akanbong said. 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. Public health officials say the introduction of a preventive vaccine could be a “game-changer” in reducing transmission rates, especially among high-risk groups.