President Mahama Champions Global Vaccination Efforts, Calls for Investing in Children’s Future
President John Dramani Mahama has mentioned that, Ghana has achieved a remarkable 97% immunization coverage through its partnership with GAVI, the global vaccine alliance. However, the President emphasized that 65,000 children in remote areas still need access to life-saving vaccines.
According to President Mahama, the country has invested nearly $67 million in vaccine efforts, with plans to fully graduate from GAVI funding by 2030 and potentially become a donor country.
“Ghana is a lower middle income country, and so our partnership with GAVI is one of CO finance, and I’m proud to say that over the recent years, we spent almost $67 million on vaccines in partnership with GAVI,” He said.
Speaking during GAVI the Vaccine Alliance Global Summit: Health and Prosperity through Immunisation held in Brussels, Belgium, President Mahama highlighted that by uncapping national health insurance, Ghana has increased its health fund by 3.5 billion cedis, enabling a $20 million front-loaded contribution to GAVI.
He noted, on the global stage, GAVI aims to raise $9 billion to immunize 500 million children between 2026 and 2030. The President provocatively noted this amount is equivalent to the cost of just four B2 bombers, challenging world leaders to prioritize saving lives over military spending.
“ GAVI is seeking to spend $9 billion over the next five years from 2026 to 2030, and that is to immunize 500 million children across the world. These children’s life will be safe to grow up to become the scientists, engineers, nurses, teachers and doctors of tomorrow.” He added.
President Mahama calling on the international community to choose “saving lives instead of taking lives.”
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to child health and global vaccination efforts, positioning the country as a leader in public health innovation.
In a powerful address highlighted the critical importance of vaccination, Ghana’s President H.E John Dramani Mahama shared a deeply personal story about his brother’s struggle with polio, underscoring the life-changing impact of immunization programs.
