Ghana is experiencing an acute shortage of antiretroviral drugs, endangering the health and the lives of tens of thousands of Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) across the country.
The Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+ Ghana) reports that their members are unable to access essential drugs at hospitals throughout the country. The Abacavir Lamivudine regimen is essential for PLHIV daily management to achieve viral suppression, maintain health, reduce new infections, and end AIDS by 2030.
“Our members across Ghana reported a shortage of the adult dose of ABACAVIR LAMIVUDINE in August this year,” the group said.
In a statement drawing attention to the shortage, NAP+ Ghana revealed that the anti-retroviral medicines, which had arrived in Ghana in July, are being held at Ghana’s harbor awaiting a tax waiver from the finance ministry.
“The anti-retroviral medication had been bought with donor funds and at no cost to the Country and should not attract tax. Meanwhile, they are being held until AU TAX, ECOWAS TAX, and COVID-19 TAX are paid before we can access our medication,” NAP+ Ghana added.
The group stated that of utmost concern is that some persons put on Abacavir/Lamivudine, which is stuck at the harbor, have kidney and liver problems while on the TLD regimen. One of our members has not been on medication for 4 months due to a shortage of Abacavir/Lamivudine in her facility.
“Our investigations revealed that prescribers give Abacavir/Lamivudine medication meant for children to adults in some facilities. Therefore, instead of one tablet a day, they have to take five tablets in the morning and five tablets in the evening, of the children’s dose, it said.
The group indicated that the shortage has also adversely impacted the production of life-saving medicines and their supply and transportation, leading to increases in cost and calling on all radio and television stations; traditional media and stakeholders to join the Network of Persons Living with HIV to call on the government for an immediate waiver of all taxes and release of medications at the harbor.
Abacavir/Lamivudine
Abacavir and lamivudine combination, used alongside other medicines, helps treat HIV infection by inhibiting HIV replication and slowing immune system destruction, but not preventing AIDS symptoms. This may help delay the development of serious health problems usually related to AIDS or HIV infection.
Source: Ghana/MaxTV/MaxFM/max.com.gh/Belinda Quansah
