The Ghana AIDS Commission says fresh supplies of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines are expected to arrive in Ghana within the next three to four weeks as authorities work to address declining stock levels across parts of the country.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, July 9, the Commission’s Director of Technical Services, Dr Eric Nana Poku, acknowledged challenges within the current supply chain but assured that measures are underway to prevent nationwide shortages.
ARV stock levels below target
Dr. Nana Poku said stock levels at the Central Medical Store have fallen below the Commission’s preferred threshold of six months’ supply.
“What is happening is that at the Central Medical Store, the stock levels are below the threshold that we always want: six months of stock. And that is a bit of a challenge.”
He added that some regional medical stores are also experiencing lower-than-expected stock levels.
“In fact, when you go to the regional stores too, we are also told that in some regions the stock levels are lower than what is expected.”
New supplies expected soon
According to Dr Nana Poku, the shortage is not uniform across the country, as some regions still have adequate supplies while others are under greater pressure.
He said procurement processes have already been initiated to replenish stocks.
“Processes have been initiated. And we are being told that we should be expecting some more of the commodities within the next three to four weeks. Hopefully, that will forestall any possibility of stockouts hitting the country.”
The Commission said it is closely monitoring the distribution of available medicines to ensure uninterrupted treatment, particularly for pregnant women who require routine HIV services to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Commission warns against fake HIV cures
Dr. Nana Poku also expressed concern over the growing number of people advertising unapproved products that claim to cure HIV/AIDS.
He described the trend as worrying and said the Commission is working closely with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to stop the sale and promotion of such products.
“We are collaborating with them so that we could step up some measures that will deal with these charlatans. It is disheartening.”
Focus on stabilising supplies
The Ghana AIDS Commission said its immediate priority is to stabilise ARV supplies across the country while strengthening regulatory enforcement against individuals exploiting vulnerable patients with false claims of HIV cures.
The Commission expects the arrival of new ARV shipments within the next month to improve stock levels and ensure continued access to life-saving treatment for people living with HIV.
