Address shortage of ART drugs

Kumasi, April 17, GNA - People Living with HIV/AIDS, have pleaded with government to address the shortage of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) drugs in health facilities.

They said absence of the drugs had become a major problem creating discomfort for them.

Mr Clement Banwiwo Azigwe, National President of NAP+Ghana, who told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi on Friday, said the problem had existed since January this year.

He said most of the people living with the disease relied on "Nevirapine" an ART drug, but because they were unable to get it at the health facilities, they were forced to use "Efcure", which he said was having negative side effects on them.

"Nevirapine has proven effective in preventing the transmission of the HIV virus from pregnant women to their babies.

He said its shortage could fuel the risk of cross infection of children.

Dr Angela El-Adas, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), confirmed to the GNA that they were aware of the shortage of Nevirapine in the system.

She said they were working around the clock to restock all the Regional Medical Stores with the drug.

The Director, however, pointed out that Efcure performs the same function as the Nevirapine.

GNA