Ghana has taken a decisive step toward health independence and child welfare by fulfilling its 2025 vaccine co-financing obligation of USD 24.5 million—a move hailed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) as a major milestone in the country’s post-COVID recovery and immunisation sustainability efforts.
According to a press statement signed by UNICEF Representative in Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, the timely payment reflects a renewed commitment to health investment and positions Ghana as a model of responsible governance in vaccine financing amid economic constraints.
“This full payment reflects a commendable prioritization of child health. It signals the government’s determination to protect every child—regardless of location or circumstance—from vaccine-preventable diseases,” Mr. Khogali stated.
UNICEF noted that the payment marks Ghana’s return to pre-pandemic standards in vaccine financing after setbacks in 2022 due to fiscal pressures and the country’s ongoing transition from Gavi-supported funding. The move ensures uninterrupted access to essential vaccines, supports the introduction of new immunisations, and maintains the integrity of herd immunity efforts.
More than a financial transaction, the co-financing fulfilment serves as a cornerstone of Ghana’s Transition Roadmap towards full self-financing of immunisation programmes—a critical move as international development assistance continues to decline.
UNICEF urged the government to capitalise on this momentum by institutionalising stronger domestic health financing systems to ensure long-term vaccine security. It highlighted that investing in immunisation offers one of the highest returns in public health, stressing that prevention remains more cost-effective than treatment.
The agency reaffirmed its support for Ghana’s efforts to achieve universal immunisation coverage, pledging to stand by the country in ensuring no child is left unprotected.
With this move, Ghana not only reinforces its dedication to safeguarding children’s health but also strengthens its resilience against future public health threats—an example other transitioning economies may look to emulate.
