“Urgently Clear Stranded $40 million Health Supplies at Port”-Coalition of NGOs in Malaria Prez told Gov’t

The President of the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Malaria lamented the government’s unfulfilled promises and the dire consequences of supply shortages in healthcare facilities, affecting vulnerable populations in the most affected communities.

He emphasized the pressing need for swift action to release the stalled goods and address the looming health crisis in the country

Mr. Teye made this known in an exclusive interview with the Human Rights Reporters’ Joseph Wemakor on the sidelines of a press conference organized by the Coalition of CSO Networks in HIV, TB and Malaria in Accra on Monday April 8, 2024

The crucial presser seeks to shed light on the critical challenges facing the country’s healthcare system.

With a focus on the stalled release of essential health supplies at Tema Port and the delayed co-financing commitment for Global Fund grants, Teye’s insights underscore the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate government action.

He highlighted Ghana’s pivotal role as the first country to receive Global Fund resources, with over $234 million allocated from 2024 to 2026 to combat HIV, TB, and Malaria.

However, despite these significant allocations, essential commodities such as malaria-treated bed nets, antiretroviral drugs, and lab equipment have languished at the port since May last year, raising concerns about expiration and wastage.

The Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Malaria boss expressed dismay over the bureaucratic hurdles, including COVID levies and AU levies, hindering the timely clearance of these life-saving supplies.

Moreover, he underscored the critical importance of meeting Ghana’s co-financing obligations to Global Fund, citing the delayed signing of the necessary agreement letter as a major impediment to accessing vital resources for healthcare.

He stressed that the failure to submit the required copayment of $45 million jeopardizes the country’s ability to receive essential funding for combating HIV, TB, and Malaria, further exacerbating the healthcare challenges faced by Ghanaians.

In a resolute call to action, Teye announced plans for a demonstration on April 17, 2024, to petition the Presidency and Parliament for immediate intervention in resolving the healthcare crisis.

The demonstration, he insisted aims to draw attention to the urgent need for government accountability and commitment to safeguarding public health.

Source:Joseph Kobla Wemakor

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