Editorial: Address issues concerning Anti-Retroviral drugs now!

Persons living with HIV in Ghana say they are at their wit’s ends as health officials begin rationing anti-retroviral drugs meant to sustain them. According to a JoyNews report the medications are fast running out and should completely run out by May, if nothing is done about it.

According to the President of the National Association of Persons Living with HIV, Elsie Ayeh, consignment of ARVs procured by the Health Ministry cannot be traced, raising suspicion it may have gone missing.

Additionally, Mrs. Ayeh mentioned that she had received information indicating that more medicine had been procured through the Ministry of Health and was expected to arrive in Ghana between mid-December and the end of December in 2023, but unfortunately, it did not arrive.

Meanwhile, the Director General of the Ghana Aids Commission, Dr Stephen Kyeremeh Atuahene, has debunked claims that a consignment of antiretroviral procured by the Health Ministry cannot be traced.

“I am aware that the government procured ARV to fill the gap, at least starting from May, and if we do not receive government-procured ARV, that is when we begin to have shortage, but presently I cannot anticipate any shortage, as is being alleged and then speak to it specifically.

The Director-General explained that the government had already arranged for these drugs to be in place before the current ones in the system are exhausted. He added that the fact that health practitioners were rationing drugs did not mean a shortage. Dr. Atuahene said the particular facility might have almost exhausted what was allocated.

The reports of an impending shortage of anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) in Ghana have sparked concerns among persons living with HIV and the general public. The conflicting statements from health officials and stakeholders have only added to the confusion and anxiety surrounding this critical issue.

The President of the National Association of Persons Living with HIV, Elsie Ayeh, raised alarm bells when she mentioned that a consignment of ARVs procured by the Health Ministry could not be traced, leading to suspicions that it may have gone missing.

This revelation, coupled with the reported rationing of ARVs, paints a troubling picture of potential disruptions in the supply chain that could adversely affect the health and well-being of individuals relying on these life-saving medications.

On the other hand, the Director-General of the Ghana Aids Commission, Dr. Stephen Kyeremeh Atuahene has refuted claims of a missing consignment, stating that the government has already procured ARVs to fill the gap until May. He emphasised that there should be no cause for alarm and that health practitioners rationing drugs does not necessarily indicate a shortage.

While we appreciate Dr. Atuahene’s reassurances, it is crucial to have clear and consistent communication from health authorities regarding the status of ARV procurement, distribution, and availability. The conflicting statements from different officials only serve to heighten anxiety and confusion among those directly impacted by this issue.

The Chronicle Newspaper calls on the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Aids Commission to provide a comprehensive clarification on the current status of ARV procurement, including the expected delivery timelines for new consignments and the measures in place to prevent any potential shortages.

Also, Transparency regarding the allocation of funds for ARV procurement, expenditure reports, and measures to prevent any financial mismanagement or discrepancies.

Authorities need to know the impact of potential ARV shortages on persons living with HIV, including contingency plans to mitigate risks and ensure uninterrupted access to essential medications.

It is imperative that the authorities take a swift and decisive action to address these concerns and provide concrete assurances to individuals relying on ARVs for their health and well-being. Transparency, accountability and proactive measures are essential to ensure that no person living with HIV in Ghana faces unnecessary hardships or risks due to medication shortages.

The health and welfare of all Ghanaians, especially those living with HIV, must remain a top priority for our nation’s healthcare system.

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