Brussels: President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Brussels, Belgium, as a prominent advocate and ambassador for the GAVI Alliance's crucial vaccine replenishment efforts. President Mahama's presence in Brussels underscores his commitment to global health initiatives and equitable vaccine distribution.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Presidency announced that President Mahama would participate in the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity through Immunisation. This significant event is co-hosted by the European Union, the Gates Foundation, and the Vaccine Alliance, aiming to secure essential support for GAVI's ambitious 2026-2030 strategy.
This strategy targets the immunisation of an additional 500 million children, aims to save over eight million lives, and seeks to protect against up to 150 disease outbreaks, delivering over $100 billion in economic benefits. President Mahama's involvement highlights the critical role of global cooperation in ensuring fair access to vaccines, particularly in lower-income countries.
Having witnessed the transformative impact of immunisation in Ghana and across Africa, President Mahama has been a dedicated advocate for a fully funded GAVI. In 2013, he played a similar role in supporting the Alliance's mission to save children's lives and enhance health by increasing immunisation efforts.
President Mahama believes that a fully funded GAVI could save millions of lives, unlock substantial economic potential, and bolster global health security. The global summit offers a crucial opportunity to secure renewed commitment from both traditional and newer donors, emphasizing the effectiveness and value of GAVI's partnerships with governments, international organisations, civil society, communities, and industry leaders.
Since 2000, GAVI has reached over a billion children with life-saving vaccines, preventing more than 18.8 million deaths and generating over $250 billion in economic benefits for lower-income economies. While in Brussels, President Mahama is also expected to engage in discussions with various leaders, including the President of the EU Council of Ministers and Bill Gates.
