A rapid increase in Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Ghana is imminent, as some anti-HIV/AIDS advocacy organisations have indicated an acute shortage of condoms and personal [sex] lubricants.
They have also served notice drugs for the treatment of Tuberculosis are also reportedly in short supply in the country.
These revelations were made at a quarterly meeting organized by the Non-State Actors (NSAs) in Health for its members in Accra on Tuesday.
Factors that precipitated the shortage were not stated, however, the organisations noted the supply shortfall has led to a dramatic increase in the price of the contraceptive at State Agencies’ stores from which they get their supplies.
At the meeting, the members of the NSAs, which comprise Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations in the Health sector, deliberated over issues facing the sector and mapped out ways towards improving the quality of public health in the country.
Issues discussed included Nutrition challenges for a certain percentage of children in the country, and the Government of Ghana’s faltering commitment to the procurement of pediatric Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs).
Other issues on the agenda of the meeting included how to tackle the rampancy of fake medicines in the country as well as GoG’s commitment to its counterpart payment to ensure uninterrupted supply of vaccines.
Dr Cecilia Senoo, whose organisation, Hope for Future Generations (HFFG) is a member of the NSAs, reiterated the need for a National Dialogue on Health towards finding better solutions to challenges facing the sector.
She said the Non-State Actors in health, as a body would be resolute in playing its role in helping improve the quality of public health in the country.
“Government must be committed to fulfilling its obligations to ensure the improvement of healthcare delivery in the country,” she said.
She added: “We are yet to check with the Ghana Health Service and Ministry of Health about the shortage, however, these reports are from the very people [organisations] who are directly involved with the situation, and [so] that makes it very serious.”
Meanwhile, Government has been called upon to act swiftly to make available the products to help forestall a possible rapid spread of STDs and tuberculosis in the country.
Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/103.5FM/Clifford Yaw Frimpong
