President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana is expected to phase out support from GAVI by 2030 as the country strengthens its capacity to independently finance national immunisation programmes.

Speaking at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva on Monday, May 18, President Mahama said Ghana’s improvements in healthcare delivery and vaccine financing are gradually positioning the country to move beyond dependence on international vaccine assistance.

According to him, Ghana could eventually transition from being a recipient of vaccine support to contributing to global health financing efforts in the future.

The President also used the platform to highlight government’s healthcare reform agenda, including the MahamaCares initiative, which is aimed at expanding access to specialised and costly medical treatment for ordinary Ghanaians.

His address formed part of wider discussions on universal health coverage, healthcare reforms and health independence for African countries during the global gathering organised by the World Health Organization.

GAVI, also known as the Vaccine Alliance, is an international public-private partnership established to improve access to life-saving vaccines in low-income countries.

Over the years, the alliance has supported Ghana’s immunisation efforts by funding vaccines targeting diseases such as measles, polio, yellow fever, rotavirus, pneumococcal infections and the human papillomavirus, among others.

The organisation has also contributed significantly to reducing child mortality and improving vaccine coverage across the country through financial assistance, technical support and collaboration with global health partners.

Under GAVI’s transition policy, countries that achieve higher economic growth and income levels are gradually expected to take full responsibility for financing their vaccination programmes without donor assistance.