Accra: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Ghana has commended the government for fulfilling its 2025 co-financing obligation of $24.5 million for vaccines. This achievement is seen as a crucial step in sustaining progress in protecting children's health and mitigating the risk of vaccine shortages.
According to Ghana News Agency, the timely payment signifies a significant milestone in Ghana's return to pre-pandemic financing performance. The country had consistently met its vaccine financing obligations until 2022, when economic challenges arising from the post-COVID-19 era, increased co-financing requirements, and limited fiscal space due to Ghana's transition from Gavi support led to delays. Completing the 2025 co-financing obligation is essential for ensuring an uninterrupted vaccine supply, maintaining herd immunity, and supporting the introduction of new vaccines. This move also strengthens the broader health system and safeguards the health and survival of Ghanaian children, officials noted.
Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, UNICEF's Representative in Ghana, praised the government for prioritizing children's health. He expressed pride in standing with the Government of Ghana to celebrate this important milestone. Despite the economic pressures following the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to delays in payments and interrupted vaccine availability and coverage, the full payment reflects a commendable prioritization of child health. By investing in immunization, the government is ensuring that every Ghanaian child, regardless of location, is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, he stated.
UNICEF has called for sustained efforts to strengthen domestic vaccine financing as development aid declines. Investing in vaccines offers one of the highest returns in public health, with disease prevention being far more cost-effective than treatment. Sustained investment today lays the foundation for a healthier and more resilient future generation, the organization added.
UNICEF is recognized as the world's leading child rights organization, operating in more than 190 countries and territories, with a commitment to protecting and promoting children's right to health and survival.
