3news can confirm that government has cleared all donor-funded HIV medicines and other essential commodities that had been held up at the Tema port.
The delay in clearing the medicines had raised concerns over possible shortages of antiretroviral drugs, or ARVs, at health facilities across the country.
The medicines have now been cleared and are currently at the Central Medical Stores, where they are being prepared for distribution to the regions and subsequently to districts and health facilities.
The development follows growing concerns from people living with HIV and health-sector stakeholders over the delay in clearing the commodities.
NAP+ Ghana and other stakeholders had called on government to urgently intervene to prevent a potential shortage of life-saving HIV medicines.
The medicines, which include ARVs and other essential HIV commodities, were donor-funded and had remained at the port awaiting clearance.
The delay had sparked concerns among patients and healthcare providers, particularly at a time when uninterrupted access to HIV treatment remains critical for people living with the virus.
Government has now completed the clearance process, with the medicines expected to move from the Central Medical Stores to health facilities across the country.
For patients on antiretroviral treatment, the timely distribution of the medicines will be critical in preventing disruptions to treatment.
By Sarah Apenkroh
