Ada: The Ghana Health Service (GHS) Directorate in Ada East District has raised concerns over HIV-positive pregnant women who are declining Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), which could expose their unborn babies to infection risk. Health officials have highlighted that this situation poses a threat to efforts aimed at eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV within the district.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ideas Coleman Anani-Jr Adator, HIV Focal Person for the Ada East District Health Directorate, reported that some expectant mothers are intentionally avoiding follow-up appointments with health professionals. Mr. Adator, who holds multiple roles, including Ministerial Advisory Board Member for Health Training Institutions at the Ministry of Health, noted that some individuals have even blocked health workers' contact numbers to evade treatment support.
He emphasized the importance of ART in preventing HIV transmission from mother to child and in protecting partners and other family members. He revealed that approximately 35 percent of expectant mothers diagnosed with HIV in the district were not receiving ART, describing this as a dangerous situation. Despite health workers' efforts to ensure adherence to treatment, some individuals remain resistant.
Mr. Adator added that the larger population is also receiving care to ensure they stay on ART, though some are reluctant to start the therapy. He observed that many people delay seeking medical care until the infection reaches advanced stages, complicating treatment. He stressed that early and consistent use of ART could significantly improve the health of infected persons and prevent further transmission.
He cited a case of a man who initially refused treatment but was later identified at a prayer camp and tested positive for HIV. Efforts are underway to reintegrate him into treatment to strengthen his immune system. Mr. Adator pointed out that people have transitioned from advanced stages back to stable conditions with proper care.
He disclosed that the oldest person currently on ART within the district is an 89-year-old woman who has been on the 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.