The Ministry of Health of Ghana, GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization(WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF), and the World Bank have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting every child and strengthening sustainable health financing in Ghana.
‘’It is estimated that investing in vaccines is one the most cost-effective ways to to prevent disease outbreaks and avoid future health emergencies . For every US$1 spent on immunization US$21 are saved through avoidance of health care costs, lost wages and lost productivity due to illness and death. This rises to US$54 when broader societal benefits are included’’.
‘’With antigens introduced into routine immunization and third dose coverage of Diphteria-Pertusis-Tetanus(DPT3) sustained above 95%, Ghana continues to demonstrate regional and global leadership in immunization, saving countless lives and making sustainable gains in child survival . The rollout of malaria vaccine with GAVI support is a recent milestone, already contributing to a 13% reduction in child mortality. In addition, the planned introductions of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and the Hepatitis B Birth Dose in the last quarter of 2025 demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to comprehensive approach preventing cervical cancer and reducing perinatal and horizontal transmision of Hepatitis B virus in new borns, respectively’’.
These was contained in a joint statement between Ghana and GAVI on the occasion of the GAVI Chief Executive, Dr, Sania Nishtar’s visit to Ghana from 3rd – 7th of May 2025.
The statement further stated that ‘’as partners, we celebrate Ghana’s growing investments in health, including the 13% nominal increase in the 2025 health budget and the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy(NHIL), which has expanded the budget of the National Health Insurance Authority(NHIA) and enabled greater support for vaccine procurement . These are tangible steps toward sustainable financing of immunization and primary health care’’.
It said that Ghana’s endorsement of the Abidjan Declaration in July 2024 demonstrates its commitment to fully funding immunization form its national budget. The integration of this commitment into the Ghana Transition Roadmap is further proof of national ownership and long term vision. The Vaccine Alliance congratulates the Government of Ghana for these forward looking commitments.
The Vaccine Allince also committed to support efforts to strengthen vaccine financing, local and regional manufacturing, and the availability of health commodities that are critical for both public health and national development.
‘’We agree to support and advocate for full replenishment of GAVI’s next strategic period, which will be critical to ensure continued support and partnership to save childrens lives in Ghana and across Africa. As we celebrate Ghana’s progress to date, we remain firm in our pursuit of a future where immunization and primary health care services are available to everyone, protecting all communities across the country. Suatained support for Ghana’s immunization programme will preserve hard-won gains and bring us closer to the goal of free primary health care for everyone’’, the statement concluded.
Story by: Eric Boateng
