Global Fund Halts Medical Shipments To Ghana, HIV Patients At Risk

Written by Afua Amankwanowa

Ghana is currently facing a looming health crisis after the Global Fund suspended shipments of essential medical supplies due to delays in clearing previous donations held at Tema Port. This includes vital antiretroviral drugs needed for HIV/AIDS patients.The Africa Center for Health Policy Research and Analysis (ACHPR&A) has expressed serious concern over the government's slow response in releasing these donated supplies. 

Dr. Thomas Anaba, Executive Director of ACHPR&A, was direct in criticizing the government's lack of urgency during an interview with Citi News.The delays have also alarmed the Ghana AIDS Commission and a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) focused on HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. These CSOs have announced plans to hold a protest on April 17th due to the extended detention of essential medical supplies.Dr. Anaba emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting a recent visit by a Global Fund delegation that made no progress. 

He underscored that Ghana risks losing critical Global Fund support if immediate action is not taken. The Global Fund has already suspended shipments to Ghana until the backlog at the ports is resolved.This situation has grave consequences for hundreds of thousands of Ghanaians who depend on these donated medications.