Ghana’s Impending Loss of Foreign Aid for HIV/AIDS Programs: Effects on Vulnerable Populations

As countries transition from low income to middle income countries, they gradually lose donor aid. Donor aid for HIV in Ghana is slowly declining and more commitment from the government is expected for funding HIV/AIDS programs. Vulnerable populations are disproportionally affected by HIV and might be at greater risk as donors exit Ghana. This research used semi-structured interviews with 26 key informants to understand how vulnerable populations could be affected by the transition away from donor aid for HIV. This study found that vulnerable populations in Ghana mostly receive support from civil society organizations (CSOs) that are funded by donors. As funding transitions to government, CSOs are likely to reduce the scope of their work, and populations will lose access to some key preventative activities. In addition, HIV programs will be focused on the general population as opposed to the most vulnerable. Finally, if the transition is managed properly, involving key stakeholders at early stages of the process and ensuring partnerships between government and CSOs, it could in fact empower vulnerable populations to have increased decision-making power.