Accra, April 8, – Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have raised alarm over delays in clearing family planning commodities valued at about 500,000 US dollars at a Ghanaian port of entry, warning of a potential nationwide stock-out crisis.
The consignments, procured by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for the Ministry of Health, have reportedly been held since August 2024, raising concerns over dwindling supplies at national and regional medical stores.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Ms Henritta Kaakyire Ataah, Advocacy and Youth Coordinator at Marie Stopes Ghana, said the delay was affecting access to essential reproductive health services.
She explained that the commodities include contraceptive pills, implants, injectables, condoms, intrauterine devices and related medical instruments.
The CSOs stressed that family planning plays a critical role in reducing maternal mortality, improving child survival and supporting broader public health outcomes.
They cited evidence suggesting that modern contraceptive use can significantly reduce maternal deaths and unsafe abortions linked to unintended pregnancies.
Ms Ataah warned that continued delays could worsen stock shortages, increase unintended pregnancies and heighten the risk of preventable maternal deaths.
While acknowledging earlier clearance of some consignments after engagement with authorities, the CSOs said three shipments remain uncleared.
They called for immediate release of the commodities, a public update from the Ministry of Health and the establishment of a contingency plan to prevent further shortages.
The groups also urged reforms in administrative processes affecting health imports and increased domestic financing for family planning programmes.
GHBUSS
8 April 2026
No comments:
Post a Comment