By Mabel Esinam Awagah
The Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, says there will be no shortage of HIV commodities in the country. He said while measures are being implemented to ensure commodity security, it is crucial to recognize that each day presents new challenges regarding access to these vital commodities.
Speaking at the 2024 World AIDS Day event in Accra, Dr. Okoe-Boye, called for diligence towards ensuring that treatment programmes are effectively complemented with prevention efforts.
He said between January and September 2024 nearly 4,500 people have died from HIV and AIDS, while the National AIDS Control Program identified around 35,000 new cases. He emphasized that promoting condom use is crucial, as studies indicate condom utilization has reduced.
“I want to assure all persons living with HIV that for the next year and more ahead, there will be no shortage of HIV commodities.
And we are saying this because of the measures we have put in place to ensure that there is commodity security in our country.
“Having said that, we have to still recognize that every day provides a new challenge as far as access to very important commodities is concerned. It is in this vein that I want to laud the efforts and contribution of our development partners so far in helping us to come this far.
“It is a pity to remark that between January to September, almost 4,500 people still died from AIDS and the National AIDS Control Program identified about 35,000 new people positive. It means that we cannot treat ourselves out of HIV. Despite all the coverage in antiretroviral therapy which we celebrate today, some people still do not know that HIV is real and new infections are occurring,” He emphasized.
