The Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+ Ghana) has raised alarming concerns about the shortage of Anti-Retroviral medication, specifically ABACAVIR LAMIVUDINE regimen in the country.
The medication is one of the regimens that Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) need daily to stay healthy and productive.
The group in a statement revealed that due to the shortage of live-saving medication, some HIV adult patients are being administered with Abacavir/lamivudine meant for children.
“Our investigations revealed that in some facilities, prescribers give Abacavir/lamivudine medication meant for children to adults. 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” parts of the statement said.
NAP+ Ghana said the delay in tax waivers on the medication stuck at the harbour is resulting in the shortage.
They note that the medication is among other health commodities that had arrived in July but “are being held until AU TAX, ECOWAS TAX and COVID-19 TAX are paid before we can access our medication.”
This, according to the group can spell doom for the PLHIVS as there is a potential build-up of their resistance to the ARV with also “an increase in kidney and liver problems.”
NAP+ Ghana is therefore calling on government for an immediate waiver of all taxes and release of medications at the harbour.
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Source: Aba Aikins Appah/ATLFMNEWS
