Dr. Sania Nishtar, the Chief Executive Officer of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, is in Ghana for a three-day working visit aimed at strengthening health sector partnerships as the country prepares to transition from GAVI support by 2030.
Dr. Nishtar’s visit underscores GAVI’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s journey towards self-sufficiency in immunisation and healthcare delivery. Her itinerary includes high-level meetings with President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministers of Health and Finance, as well as key GAVI Alliance partners.
On-the-Ground Impact
On Monday, Dr. Nishtar toured frontline health facilities in Gomoa East, including St. Gregory Catholic Hospital in Buduburam and the Nyanyano Community Health Centre, where she observed vaccination sessions and assessed immunisation infrastructure.
During her visit to the Oyinase outreach point in Kasoa Nyanyano, she personally administered vaccines, interacted with health workers, and engaged with caregivers. This hands-on approach highlighted her commitment to understanding the challenges faced by healthcare providers on the ground, including the logistical hurdles of reaching displaced populations and operating in remote areas.
Recognising Ghana’s Immunisation Leadership
Dr. Nishtar praised Ghana’s leadership in immunisation, citing the country’s impressive 80% coverage for the third dose of key vaccines as a model for other African nations. She commended the government’s focus on domestic resource mobilisation, which she described as critical for long-term healthcare sustainability.
Reflecting on the visit, Dr. Nishtar expressed confidence in Ghana’s progress, noting the country’s significant strides in vaccine manufacturing through local partnerships under the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA). She also lauded Ghana’s innovative use of digital tools, including biometric verification, digital microplanning, and Zipline’s drone delivery system, which have enhanced vaccine distribution and healthcare efficiency.
Support for Ghana’s Transition to Full Ownership
As Ghana moves towards full ownership of its immunisation programme, Dr. Nishtar reaffirmed GAVI’s continued support, highlighting the importance of sustainable financing, digital innovation, and targeted capacity building.
Prof. Samuel Akoriyea Kaba, Director General of the Ghana Health Service, thanked GAVI for its decades of partnership, emphasising the country’s commitment to ensuring every child receives essential vaccines.
Accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Health, the National Malaria Control Programme, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and community leaders, Dr. Nishtar’s visit reflects the strong ties between GAVI and Ghana, built over two decades of collaboration.
A Model for Africa’s Health Future
Founded in 2000, GAVI has played a pivotal role in improving vaccine access for children in low-income countries, helping to immunise over half of the world’s children against life-threatening diseases. Ghana’s success story is a testament to this partnership, demonstrating the power of coordinated global support, national leadership, and innovative health solutions.
As Ghana looks to the future, its continued investment in healthcare resilience and vaccine equity positions it as a model for other countries on the continent.
