Ghana is currently facing a scarcity of anti-retroviral medication, specifically the Abacavir Lamivudine regimen, which is vital for Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) nationwide. The Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+ Ghana) has reported that their members are encountering difficulties in accessing this crucial medication at hospitals throughout the country.

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The Abacavir Lamivudine regimen is one of the several drug regimens essential for PLHIV to maintain viral suppression, ensure their well-being, and enable Ghana to reduce new HIV infections, ultimately striving to 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.

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In a statement highlighting the medication shortage issue, NAP+ Ghana disclosed that the anti-retroviral medicines, which arrived in Ghana in July, are currently held at the country's port, pending the approval of a tax waiver by 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.

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Meanwhile, they are being held until AU TAX, ECOWAS TAX and COVID-19 TAX are paid before we can access our medication,” NAP+ Ghana said.As a result of the shortage of Abacavir/Lamivudine for adults, some Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) are being placed on the Tenofovir Lamivudine Dolutegravir (TLD) regimen instead.

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“Of utmost concern is that some persons who are put on Abacavir/Lamivudine which is stuck at the harbour, are persons who had 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 in some facilities, prescribers give Abacavir/Lamivudine medication meant for children to adults.

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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,” the group said.

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NAP+ Ghana issued a warning that if the medications continue to be delayed at the port, there is a risk of the disease developing resistance to the anti-retroviral drugs, and individuals on the Tenofovir Lamivudine Dolutegravir (TLD) regimen may experience severe liver and kidney problems.It added that some members have gone off their medications totally and this “can spell doom.

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”“We entreat 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,” the group appealed.

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