Accra: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has applauded Ghana for fulfilling its 2025 vaccine co-financing obligation of USD 24.5 million. This move is expected to bolster the country's immunisation programme and improve child health outcomes.
According to Ghana News Agency, a press statement issued and signed by Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, UNICEF Representative in Ghana, highlighted that the full and timely payment marked a significant milestone in Ghana's efforts to return to pre-COVID-19 financing performance. The nation faced delays in previous years due to economic pressures and the gradual transition away from Gavi support.
The statement described the payment as a strong commitment by the government to safeguard the health of Ghanaian children and prevent vaccine-preventable diseases. It emphasized that the move would ensure an uninterrupted supply of vaccines, support the introduction of new ones, and help maintain herd immunity across the country.
Mr. Khogali noted in the statement, "I am proud to stand with the Government of Ghana in celebrating this important milestone. Although post-COVID economic pressures led to delays in payments and interrupted regular vaccine availability and ultimately vaccination coverage, this full payment reflects a commendable prioritization of child health."
The timely payment, according to UNICEF, reinforced Ghana's Transition Roadmap towards the self-financing of immunisation services as development assistance gradually declines. The statement urged the government to maintain momentum by strengthening domestic financing mechanisms to sustain long-term vaccine security.
The statement emphasized that investing in vaccines offered one of the highest returns in public health, noting that prevention was far more cost-effective than treatment. A consistent immunisation programme was deemed vital for building a healthier and more resilient generation.
Ghana had consistently met its vaccine financing obligations until 2022, when economic challenges and increased co-financing demands delayed payments. The recent fulfilment is therefore seen as a return to form and a significant win for child health and the country's broader health system.
UNICEF reaffirmed its continued support to the government in ensuring that no child was left behind in the country's quest to achieve universal immunisation coverage.
