The Ghana Hemophilia Society has issued a plea to the government to expedite the release of imported hemophilia drugs, crucial for the treatment of its members, in order to prevent avoidable fatalities.
Government on April 11,2023 cleared some 14 out of 183 containers of Essential Medicines locked up the Tema Port and the Kotota International Airport for almost a year.
The essential medicines include Antiretrovirals (ARV) for treatment of HIV, medications for treatment of TB, Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACTs) for the treatment of Malaria, Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDTs) kits, and Gene Xpert Cartridges among others.
It follows threats by Coalition of Civil Society Organization in Networks in HIV, TB and Malaria serving notice to hit the streets to pile pressure on the government to clear these essential drugs donated to the country by Global Fund, valued at some 40 million dollars.
According to the CSOs, the situation led to needless loss of lives while the drugs wasting away at the detriment of patients in dire need of them.
Earlier, Global Fund had threatened to suspend the shipment of crucial medical supplies to Ghana, citing delays in clearing previous donations stuck at the Tema Port
Limmy Sarpong, the Project Nurse for the society, emphasized the dire consequences of delayed clearance of hemophilia medications stressing that it exacerbates the condition of hemophilia patients and often leads to tragic outcomes.
“We Ghana Hemophilia Society receives the medication; that is factor VIII and X from the World Federation of Hemophilia, it goes through processes before we are able to receive them and disperse to the patients. We will want to plead with government so that we get smooth process so that we don’t have to pay so that we get this drugs in their large quantities so that we distribute to the patients across the country in various hospitals” said Limmy Sarpong
Hemophilia, an inherited bleeding disorder primarily affecting boys, poses significant challenges as it inhibits blood clot formation, resulting in spontaneous bleeds and prolonged bleeding after minor injuries.
The delay in accessing vital medication not only deteriorates the health of patients but also increases the risk of mortality.
The Ghana Hemophilia Society, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), is dedicated to sourcing hemophilia drugs, advocating for improved access, and raising awareness about the condition.
During the commemoration of World Hemophilia Day in Koforidua, themed “Equitable Access For All Recognizing All Bleeding Disorders,” Limmy Sarpong underscored the urgency of ensuring timely access to medication to curb the rising hemophilia mortality rate in Ghana.
Dr. Emma Serwaa Osei Gyawu, a Pediatrician at Asante Akyem Agogo Presbyterian Hospital, reinforced the importance of seeking medical assistance for excessive bleeding, dispelling misconceptions about it being a spiritual ailment.
She echoed the call for government intervention by urging the inclusion of hemophilia treatment in the National Health Insurance Scheme, which would significantly boost efforts to combat the condition across the country.
Survivors of hemophilia, who have benefited from the intervention of the Hemophilia Society of Ghana, shared their experiences and implored the government to take decisive action through the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
