Gov't asked to make anti-retroviral drugs available

Bole, N/R, Jan. 28, GNA - Positive Steps Partnership (POSTEP), a Tamale based non-governmental organisation (NGO), which provides care and support for Persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWAS) and their families, has called on the government to make anti-retroviral drugs available to PLWAS in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, Mr Andrew Deyi Saibu, Country Director of the NGO, said the PLWAS in the three regions could not access even the most basic medication to treat secondary or opportunistic diseases such as tuberculosis associated with the ailment. Mr Saibu said they have therefore resorted to herbal treatment.

He appealed to the Government to use part of the HIPC Funds to provide anti-retroviral drugs to the PLWAS to help prolong their lives. He said the district assemblies in the three regions could also subsidise the drug for the PLWAS in their communities.

Mr Saibu called for public support, love and compassion for the PLWAS and not stigmatise or shun their company.