Ministry of Health Clarifies: Locked Up Supplies Are Mosquito Nets, Not Essential Medicines
- Ministry of Health denies claims of locked up TB and HIV drugs.
- Containers hold mosquito nets, not essential drugs.
- All HIV and TB drugs already cleared from port.
- Fears of healthcare crisis alleviated.
The Ministry of Health has responded to concerns raised by health-focused civil society organisations regarding locked-up containers from the Global Fund at the Tema port. The organisations had claimed that the containers held essential drugs for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, sparking fears of a crisis in the healthcare system.
However, the Ministry of Health has refuted these claims, stating that the containers actually contain mosquito nets, not TB or HIV drugs. According to Isaac Offei Baah, the Public Relations Officer of the Health Ministry, the containers hold mosquito nets, which are still useful and will be put to good use.
Baah emphasized that the Ministry has already cleared all HIV and TB drugs from the port, with the last shipment being cleared in April. He reiterated that the containers do not contain any HIV or TB drugs, and the Ministry is working to clear the mosquito nets.
The Global Fund had threatened to halt funding and donations to Ghana if the containers are not cleared from the ports, prompting concerns from the civil society organisations. However, the Ministry’s clarification has allayed fears of a healthcare crisis, and the organisations have been reassured that the situation is under control.
The Ministry’s response has also highlighted the importance of accurate information and communication in avoiding unnecessary panic and misinformation. The Ministry of Health has clarified that the locked-up containers at the Tema port contain mosquito nets, not essential drugs for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, and is working to clear the shipment.
