The Ministry of Health has firmly denied claims that Ghana is facing a shortage of antiretroviral medicines (ARVs), assuring the public that HIV treatment drugs remain available at designated health facilities across the country and that measures are being taken to maintain a steady supply.
The clarification comes in response to concerns raised by the Network of Persons Living with HIV in Ghana (NAP+ Ghana), which recently alleged that some people living with HIV were experiencing difficulties accessing essential antiretroviral medicines at certain health facilities. The claims sparked concerns among patients, healthcare workers and advocacy groups, given the critical role ARVs play in the management of HIV and the prevention of AIDS-related illnesses.
In a statement issued on August 11, 2026, the Ministry said it had taken note of the concerns expressed by NAP+ Ghana but rejected suggestions that antiretroviral medicines were unavailable within the national healthcare system. According to the Ministry, reports indicating a nationwide shortage of HIV treatment drugs were inaccurate and did not reflect the current state of medical supplies across the country.
“ARVs are available at designated health facilities across Ghana to support the continued treatment and care of persons living with HIV,” the statement said.
The Ministry stressed that ensuring uninterrupted access to HIV treatment remains a key priority and that it continues to work to strengthen the procurement, storage and distribution of essential medicines nationwide.
As part of efforts to maintain adequate supplies, the Ministry disclosed that it is currently restocking medical commodities at the country’s Medical Stores. Officials explained that the exercise forms part of the government’s routine procurement and supply chain management processes aimed at ensuring health facilities receive the medicines and medical products they require.
The Ministry said the ongoing restocking initiative would help sustain the availability and timely distribution of antiretroviral medicines and other critical health commodities to healthcare facilities across Ghana. It further noted that steps were being taken to fulfil procurement obligations and strengthen supply systems to avoid disruptions in service delivery.
The statement also addressed reports suggesting that consignments of antiretroviral medicines had expired while awaiting clearance at the country’s ports. The Ministry categorically dismissed the allegation, describing it as incorrect.
“The Ministry wishes to clarify that it is incorrect to suggest that antiretroviral medicines have expired at the port,” the statement said.
Officials explained that the Ministry continues to collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders to facilitate the timely management and clearance of medical commodities entering the country. The goal, according to the Ministry, is to ensure that essential medicines reach healthcare facilities without unnecessary delays.
The Ministry also revealed that it had engaged directly with NAP+ Ghana following the concerns raised by the organisation. It said discussions had been held to better understand the issues being reported by persons living with HIV and to explore ways of addressing any challenges related to the distribution of medicines.
The Ministry reaffirmed its willingness to work closely with NAP+ Ghana and other stakeholders to ensure that concerns regarding access to HIV treatment are addressed promptly and effectively. Health authorities emphasised that while the organisation’s concerns appeared to focus on access to medicines at specific health facilities, this should not be interpreted as evidence of a nationwide shortage within the broader national supply system.
According to the Ministry, challenges related to distribution or availability at individual facilities may arise from time to time, but such situations do not necessarily mean that antiretroviral medicines are unavailable throughout the country.
The Ministry’s assurance comes at a time when Ghana continues efforts to strengthen its response to HIV/AIDS and improve healthcare outcomes for thousands of people receiving lifelong treatment. Access to ARVs is widely regarded as one of the most important components of HIV care, helping individuals suppress the virus, maintain their health and reduce the risk of transmission.
Public health experts have consistently stressed the importance of maintaining uninterrupted treatment for people living with HIV, warning that disruptions in medication supply can lead to treatment failure, drug resistance and worsening health outcomes. Recognising these concerns, the Ministry assured patients and the general public that it remains committed to safeguarding the supply chain for antiretroviral medicines and ensuring that individuals living with HIV continue to receive the treatment and support they need.
The Ministry reiterated that efforts to restock medical stores, strengthen procurement systems and collaborate with healthcare partners are all aimed at guaranteeing the continued availability of HIV medicines across the country.
While the statement did not provide detailed stock figures or specify inventory levels at individual health facilities, officials maintained that antiretroviral medicines remain available at designated treatment centres and that additional supplies are being mobilised to sustain distribution.
The Ministry concluded by assuring persons living with HIV that government remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted access to treatment and healthcare services, while continuing to engage stakeholders to address any emerging challenges within the national HIV response programme.
Philbert Amiba Ayuusah