UNICEF Applauds Ghana. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed strong approval of the Government of Ghana’s recent fulfillment of its $24.5 million vaccine co-financing commitment for the year 2025. This payment represents a critical step in preserving child health through continued immunisation coverage across the country. According to UNICEF, the move significantly boosts the country’s ability to prevent disease outbreaks and ensures the sustainability of Ghana’s immunisation programme.
In an official statement issued to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), UNICEF noted that the Government’s timely disbursement of the funds is a welcome development that will help prevent potential vaccine shortages, safeguard herd immunity, and enhance the performance of the nation’s health system. It marks a positive shift back to the pre-COVID era, when Ghana consistently met its vaccine procurement obligations on time.
UNICEF highlighted that Ghana had a strong record of fulfilling its vaccine financing duties until the year 2022. However, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic introduced economic difficulties, increasing fiscal pressure and limiting government spending in several sectors. At the same time, Ghana’s transition out of eligibility for support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, placed a greater financial burden on the government to cover vaccine procurement costs on its own. These factors contributed to delays in meeting co-financing responsibilities in recent years.
Despite these challenges, the government’s ability to make the full $24.5 million payment for 2025 has been described as a major milestone. According to UNICEF, this payment is not just a financial transaction—it is a reaffirmation of Ghana’s commitment to its children’s health and a demonstration of leadership in prioritising preventive healthcare amid limited resources.
UNICEF Applauds Ghana in $24.5 Million Fulfillment of 2025 Vaccine Co-Financing Commitment
Osama Makkawi Khogali, UNICEF’s Representative in Ghana, lauded the government for making the health of children a national priority, even in the face of economic strain. “I am proud to stand with the Government of Ghana in celebrating this important milestone,” he stated. “Although post-COVID economic pressures led to delays in payments, this full payment reflects a commendable prioritisation of child health.”
Khogali further emphasised that immunisation remains one of the most effective tools in public health, and by making vaccines available to all children, Ghana is actively protecting its young population from vaccine-preventable illnesses such as measles, polio, and diphtheria. He stressed that access to vaccines should not be determined by a child’s geographic location or social standing, and the government’s investment reflects that belief.
UNICEF’s statement also issued a call to action for sustained domestic investment in vaccine financing. With global development aid gradually declining, the organisation warned that reliance on external assistance could prove unsustainable in the long run. Therefore, continuous national-level funding is essential to maintain progress made in immunisation and child survival over the past decades.
“Investing in vaccines offers one of the highest returns in public health,” the statement added. “Sustained investment today lays the foundation for a healthier, more resilient future generation.”
UNICEF also noted that beyond preventing immediate illness, vaccines contribute to broader socio-economic development. Healthy children are more likely to attend school consistently, grow into productive adults, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The agency reiterated its continued support for Ghana’s efforts in child health and development and affirmed its readiness to work with stakeholders to strengthen the healthcare system further. As the leading global organisation advocating for children’s rights and welfare, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, promoting health, education, protection, and development for every child, everywhere.
In conclusion, Ghana’s fulfillment of its 2025 vaccine financing obligation sends a clear message of commitment to protecting its youngest citizens. As economic conditions evolve, continued prioritisation of immunisation and child health will be key to building a healthier and more prosperous future for all.
Source: gna.org
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