The Ghana AIDS Commission says it expects a fresh supply of HIV testing kits and antiretroviral medicines within the next three to four weeks, assuring the public that efforts are underway to prevent any disruption in HIV services.
The assurance follows concerns over a looming shortage of HIV testing kits and antiretroviral therapy (ART) medicines, which are critical for diagnosing HIV and keeping people living with the virus healthy.
Director of Technical Services at the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Fred Nana Poku says procurement processes are far advanced, and the commodities are expected to arrive in the country within weeks.
He gave the assurance at a press briefing in Accra on July 8, where he stressed that measures have been put in place to avert a stockout and ensure uninterrupted access to treatment and testing services.
“Yes, it has come to the attention of the Commission. In fact, two weeks ago, we got to know that what we have at the central medical stores is below the accepted threshold of 6months. Some regions and districts have more, while others have very little.
The National AIDS Control Programme has already instituted the process with the Ministry of Finance, and we are told that in the next three to four months, more commodities will be brought in, ” he explained.
Health experts have warned that interruptions in HIV treatment could increase the risk of drug resistance and new infections, underscoring the importance of maintaining a steady supply of medicines and testing commodities.
