The long-awaited anti-retroviral medications, which had been in short supply, have finally arrived at the Tema Harbour and have been cleared for distribution to health facilities, according to the Ministry of Health.
For months, Ghana had faced a critical shortage of essential anti-retroviral medications, raising concerns about the health conditions and complications faced by Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) in the country.
Members of the Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+ Ghana) had reported their inability to access the Abacavir Lamivudine Regimen, which is vital for viral suppression, maintaining health, and reducing new infections. The shortage of these medications had caused widespread worry and increased demands for immediate attention.
The Ministry of Health responded by assuring the clearance of the drugs from the port by Friday, October 13, refuting claims that it had refused to provide a waiver for clearance.
Isaac Ofei Baah, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, confirmed that the distribution of the medications to affected facilities had commenced, and the ministry was working closely with the Ghana Supply Commission to ensure the seamless clearance of such drugs and related ones in the future. He stated, “We want the general public to know that the ministry has cleared the anti-retroviral medications that were delayed at the Tema port. The distribution of the medication to all affected facilities has begun in earnest, and the ministry is working in close collaboration with the Ghana Supply Commission to ensure seamless clearance of such drugs and related ones in the future.”
The Ghana Health Service, responsible for distributing the medications, confirmed the receipt of the consignment at its cold storage facility. This development is a crucial step in ensuring that PLHIV receive the life-saving treatments they need.
