Ahead of the Gavi Vaccine Alliance pledging session in Brussels, President John Dramani Mahama engaged in a series of high-level bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening global health partnerships and advancing Ghana’s healthcare agenda.
Among the key engagements was a strategic meeting with the Chair of the Gavi Board, former European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. Mr. Barroso commended President Mahama for his unwavering support and consistent advocacy for Gavi’s mission, especially in mobilising support for vaccine access in lower-income countries.
“We are deeply grateful for your leadership and commitment to equitable immunisation,” Mr. Barroso said, adding that the Alliance looks forward to President Mahama’s vital voice at the upcoming pledging session.
President Mahama also met with renowned philanthropist and co-chair of the Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates. The two discussed ongoing health interventions in Ghana, including progress on the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, the work of the newly established National Vaccine Institute, and the positive outcomes following the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
President Mahama expressed profound appreciation to Mr. Gates and the Gates Foundation for their enduring commitment to public health in Ghana and their indispensable role in supporting the work of the Gavi Vaccine Alliance.
“The Gates Foundation continues to be a pillar of support in our healthcare development journey,” President Mahama noted.
“Your contributions are not just investments, they are saving lives and transforming communities.”
President Mahama is in Brussels as a leading advocate and ambassador for Gavi’s global vaccine replenishment efforts.
The pledging session, co-hosted by the European Union, the Gates Foundation, and the Gavi Alliance, brings together leaders and stakeholders committed to advancing global health equity through immunisation.
