Health authorities in the Ada East District are raising concerns over growing resistance to HIV treatment among some pregnant women, warning that the trend could reverse gains in preventing mother-to-child transmission.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) Directorate in the district says a significant number of expectant mothers diagnosed with HIV are refusing Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), exposing their unborn babies to the risk of infection.
Mr Ideas Coleman Anani-Jr Adator, the District’s HIV Focal Person, disclosed that about 35 per cent of HIV-positive pregnant women are not on treatment—a situation he described as dangerous and troubling.
According to him, some affected women deliberately avoid follow-ups by health professionals, with others going as far as blocking contact with health workers to escape treatment support.
He emphasised that ART remains the most effective way to prevent transmission of HIV from mother to child and to protect partners and family members.
“Families can live normal lives when an infected person is on treatment. Their children, including unborn babies, and partners, are protected,” he said.
Mr Adator noted that beyond pregnant women, resistance to treatment remains a broader challenge, as some individuals delay seeking care until their condition worsens.
He cited instances where patients initially refused treatment but later responded positively after being re-engaged, including a case involving a man identified at a prayer camp who is now being supported to resume therapy.
Despite these challenges, he said health workers continue to intensify efforts to ensure adherence, highlighting that even elderly patients—including an 89-year-old woman—have successfully remained on treatment for years.
He urged expectant mothers and the general public to cooperate with health professionals, stressing that early and consistent treatment is key to improving health outcomes and preventing further spread of the virus.
