Ghana’s longstanding commitment to immunisation and equitable vaccine access has earned high praise from Dr. Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi), during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Health.

The visit, which reaffirmed the strong partnership between Ghana and Gavi, celebrated over two decades of collaboration that has significantly improved the country’s immunisation landscape. Dr. Nishtar commended Ghana for its unwavering leadership in ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or location, has access to life-saving vaccines.

During the meeting, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh outlined key milestones achieved through the partnership, including the introduction of new vaccines, strengthened health systems, and expanded immunisation coverage, particularly in underserved communities.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to sustainable healthcare financing, pointing to recent reforms such as the removal of the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) cap and a 13% increase in the 2025 health sector budget. These measures, he noted, demonstrate Ghana’s readiness to gradually assume full financial ownership of its immunisation programme.

Looking ahead, Ghana plans to introduce the Hepatitis B birth dose and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, supported by Gavi’s technical and financial expertise. The country is also positioning itself for long-term sustainability by developing an Investment Case for Immunisation and promoting local vaccine production through collaborations with Atlantic Lifesciences and DEK Vaccines.

These initiatives align with the broader goals of Gavi’s African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, which seeks to enhance regional self-sufficiency in vaccine supply. Dr. Nishtar acknowledged these efforts and expressed Gavi’s full support for Ghana’s strategic path toward independence from external immunisation aid by 2030.

The visit concluded with a renewed commitment to deepening collaboration, ensuring that Ghana continues to serve as a model for immunisation progress across the continent.