Barriers to Health Care Accessibility for People Living with HIV/Aids (Plwhas) in Ghana: A Case Study of Agomanya and Effiduase

Abstract

Access to healthcare services for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) remains a significant public health challenge, especially in developing countries, such as Ghana. This study investigated the barriers to accessing health care for PLWHA in Agomanya and Effiduase, Ghana, offset by the availability of antiretroviral treatment. While ARV treatment has had a positive impact on the life span and health of PLWHAs, social, economic, and systemic barriers continue to impede PLWHAs from accessing required medical services. Stigma and discrimination are identified to be hindering patients in obtaining treatment. PLWHAs are afraid of being publicly shunned or their confidentiality breached; this fear has caused many to delay health treatment. Economic factors, including means of transportation and lack of financial resources for medication and services, aggravate pre-existing problems. Further, weaknesses in healthcare infrastructure, including a lack of human resources, long waiting times, and erratic drug supplies, have become serious impediments to treatment adherence. The authors refer to "positive prevention" as a potential intervention for reducing the transmission risks and reinfection rates among PLWHAs. Positive prevention promotes safer sexual practices, positions people in regular medical appointments, and provides psychological support for enhanced wellbeing. Nevertheless, such interventions have variable success due to barriers that interfere with access to health care that continues to exist. It is therefore suggested that a far broader array of policy interventions be put in place to achieve this, including strengthening health facilities, guaranteeing patient confidentiality, establishing financial support, and sending out community sensitization campaigns to curtail stigma. A synergy of effort among health personnel, policymakers, and civil society organizations would facilitate the attainment of equitable healthcare access for PLWHAs in Ghana. This research adds to the growing discourse on HIV/AIDS healthcare accessibility with calls for COVID-oriented interventions with socioeconomic variables in the governance of PLWHAs.