Ghana HIV Network Urges Mahama to Eliminate Import Taxes on Antiretroviral Drugs
HIV Advocates Urge Incoming Management to Eliminate Import Taxes on Life-Saving Medications
Accra, ghana – as Ghana prepares for a new administration, advocates for people living with HIV are calling for immediate action to address a critical issue: the high cost of antiretroviral medications. The Network of Persons Living with HIV is urging the incoming government to prioritize their needs by eliminating import taxes on these life-saving drugs.Earlier this year, Ghana faced a severe shortage of antiretroviral medications, leaving many people living with HIV without access to essential treatment. The crisis stemmed from the outgoing government’s policy requiring donors to pay import duties on health commodities, including HIV medications.
“Although the Global Fund gives us the medications for free, the taxes surrounding these medications are unbearable,” said Richard Agodzo, youth coordinator for the Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV. “If you are receiving something for free, why should there be taxes like the ECOWAS tax and AU tax surrounding this before these medications are released from the port?”
The high cost of medications due to import taxes creates a significant barrier to treatment access for many Ghanaians living with HIV. Advocates argue that eliminating these taxes would not only ensure a steady supply of life-saving drugs but also demonstrate a commitment to the health and well-being of all citizens.
This call for action comes amidst a broader effort to combat HIV stigma and discrimination in Ghana. Emmanuella Akosua Coffie, president of the Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation of Ghana, expressed optimism that awareness initiatives could help eradicate stigma by 2030.
“HIV stigma and discrimination have been evident for a number of years,” Coffie said. ”It’s a silent battle. You would realize that most people are taking their lives, a lot of suicide cases are coming up, and it’s becoming alarming because it’s a mental battle.”
Coffie emphasized the importance of education and understanding in breaking down stigma. “It’s something that we can bring out for people to understand that it is indeed not a death sentence; it is not the end of your life,” she said. “So, if you are able to understand what it entails, and how you can get better, people should know that you are not different from the rest of society.”
Ghana’s Incoming Government Urged to Eliminate HIV Medication Import taxes
Accra, Ghana – As Ghana anticipates a new administration, advocates for people living with HIV are urging decisive action to address a pressing issue: the high cost of antiretroviral medications. The Network of Persons Living with HIV is appealing to the incoming government to prioritize their needs by eliminating import taxes on these life-saving drugs.
Earlier this year, Ghana experienced a critical shortage of antiretroviral medications, leaving many people living with HIV without access to essential treatment. This crisis originated from the outgoing government’s policy mandating donors to pay import duties on health commodities, including HIV medications.
“Even though the Global Fund provides us with the medications for free, the taxes surrounding these medications are unbearable,” said Richard Agodzo, youth coordinator for the Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV. “If you are receiving something for free, why should there be taxes like the ECOWAS tax and AU tax surrounding this before these medications are released from the port?”
The elevated cost of medications due to import taxes presents a considerable barrier to treatment access for many Ghanaians living with HIV. Advocates argue that eliminating these taxes would not only guarantee a steady supply of life-saving drugs but also demonstrate a commitment to the health and well-being of all citizens.
This call to action aligns with broader efforts to combat HIV stigma and discrimination in Ghana. Emmanuella Akosua Coffie, president of the Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation of Ghana, expressed optimism that awareness initiatives could contribute to eradicating stigma by 2030.
“HIV stigma and discrimination have been evident for a number of years,” Coffie stated. “It’s a silent battle. You would realize that most people are taking their lives, a lot of suicide cases are coming up, and it’s becoming alarming because it’s a mental battle.”
Coffie emphasized the importance of education and understanding in breaking down stigma. “It’s something that we can bring out for people to understand that it is indeed not a death sentence; it is not the end of your life,” she said. “So, if you are able to understand what it entails, and how you can get better, people should know that you are not different from the rest of society.”