The National President of the Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV, Elsie Ayeh, has reiterated that the current shortage of antiretroviral drugs (ARV) in the country could affect the gains made in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
She said that individuals who have consistently been on the drugs are virally suppressed; however, the shortage could trigger a serious health crisis for country.
She maintained that the looming scarcity of antiretroviral drugs (ARV) is due to the fact that over 200 containers with 8.9 million bed nets and other consumables are still stuck at the port.
The Ministry of Health recently had 14 out of over 200 containers cleared at the ports.
But Madam Ayeh says the containers that were cleared do not contain the anti-retrovriral drugs.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, she said should this continue, it could lead to an increase in the prevalence rate of HIV in Ghana, an increase in morbidity and mortality for persons living with HIV, and an increase the overall cost of HIV management in Ghana.
“Several of us are virtually supressed because we have consistently taken the drugs. However, the shortage poses a threat to our well-being. We are getting the drugs in the appropriate qualities, and this is not the best. The drugs have helped in achieving several gains, but if we do not address the shortage, all the efforts and gains we have chalked would be in vain,” she noted.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghama
