By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA
Kasseh, April 04, GNA – The Ghana Health Service (GHS) Directorate in Ada East District has expressed concern over some HIV-positive pregnant women who are refusing Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), thereby, exposing their unborn babies to the risk of infection.
Health officials described the situation as worrying, as it threatened efforts of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the district.
Mr Ideas Coleman Anani-Jr Adator, HIV Focal Person for the Ada East District Health Directorate, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that some expectant mothers deliberately avoided follow-ups by health professionals.
Mr Adator, who also serves as Ministerial Advisory Board Member for Health Training Institutions, Ministry of Health, and Assistant Regional Public Relations Officer, Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, GAR, noted that in some cases, affected individuals blocked the contact numbers of health workers to avoid being reached for treatment support.
He emphasised that ART was critical in preventing the transmission of HIV from mother to child, as well as protecting partners and other family members.
According to him, about 35 per cent of expectant mothers diagnosed with HIV in the district were not on ART, a situation he described as dangerous.
He explained that although health workers were making efforts to ensure that infected persons adhered to treatment, some individuals remained resistant.
“The larger population is not left out. We are taking care of them to ensure they stay on ART, although some are still adamant about starting the therapy,” he said.
He observed that many people delay seeking medical care until the infection progresses to advanced stages, which complicates treatment.
Mr Adator stressed that early and consistent use of ART could significantly improve the health of infected persons and prevent further transmission.
“Families can live normal lives when an infected person is on treatment. Their children, including unborn babies, and partners, are protected,” he said.
He cited a case where a man who had initially refused treatment was later identified at a prayer camp and tested positive for HIV.
“We are working to bring him back to treatment to strengthen his immune system. We have seen cases where people have moved from advanced stages back to stable conditions with proper care,” he added.
He disclosed that the oldest person currently on treatment within the district was an 89-year-old woman who has been on ART (antiretroviral therapy) for nearly two decades.
He urged the public, especially expectant mothers, to adhere to treatment and cooperate with health professionals to safeguard their health and that of their families.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Linda Asante Agyei