Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-04-09 08:31:00
The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Networks in HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria is urgently calling on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to intervene in the clearance of essential Global Fund-donated health care items currently stuck at Tema Port. These crucial items, valued at over US$40 million, include Antiretrovirals (ARVs), TB medications, and Malaria treatments, have been stranded since May 2023, leading to severe shortages at health facilities across the country.
During a press briefing in Accra, Mr. Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, the convener of the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network, highlighted the severity of the situation, emphasizing the unnecessary loss of lives and the looming public health emergency it has triggered. He mentioned the significant support provided by the Global Fund to Ghana’s health initiatives, totaling over US$1.2 billion since 2002.
Despite the consistent aid from the Global Fund, Mr. Ortsin pointed out that the government’s imposition of high taxes and port charges for clearing the donated commodities contradicts the Framework Agreement exempting such charges. Previous efforts by a 12-member Global Fund delegation in March 2024 to resolve the issue were unsuccessful, resulting in the suspension of all future commodity shipments until the current deadlock is resolved.
Mr. Ortsin emphasized the grave consequences of the impasse, emphasizing that hundreds of thousands of Ghanaians rely on Global Fund donations for life-saving medications. For instance, more than 250,000 individuals living with HIV depend on Global Fund-sponsored ARVs. Failure to address these issues could also jeopardize additional support from the Global Fund, further impacting Ghana’s health sector.
In addition to the port clearance issue, Mr. Ortsin raised concerns about Ghana’s commitment to co-finance Grant Cycle Seven (GC7) of the Global Fund. Ghana is required to contribute 15% of the US$248 million grant, approximately US$45 million, to support health initiatives. The failure to meet this commitment could jeopardize future funding and hinder progress towards ending HIV, TB, and Malaria by 2030.
In response to these critical challenges, the CSO Networks are planning a public demonstration to demand immediate action from the government. The demonstration is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17, 2024, starting at Obra Spot, Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange, at 7 am. The march will proceed through Ako Adjei Interchange to Jubilee House and later to Parliament via Liberation Circle in Accra.
Mr. Ortsin stressed the urgency of addressing these issues, highlighting the lives at stake due to bureaucratic delays and funding shortfalls. The CSO Networks are urging all activists and concerned citizens to join the demonstration and show solidarity in advocating for the timely clearance of the Global Fund-donated health care items and the fulfillment of Ghana’s co-financing commitment to the Global Fund.
In conclusion, the CSO Networks are dedicated to ensuring that essential health care items reach those in need and that Ghana remains on track to achieve its health goals. The support and engagement of all stakeholders are essential in overcoming these challenges and securing a healthier future for all Ghanaians.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times
