The Government of Ghana has fulfilled its 2025 vaccine co-financing obligation by making a full payment of $25 million, a key milestone that signals renewed commitment to child health and national immunisation efforts.
This payment, according to UNICEF Ghana, will ensure the continuous supply of vaccines, eliminate the risk of stockouts, and help sustain herd immunity across the country. The payment also marks Ghana’s return to pre-pandemic levels of vaccine financing performance, following setbacks in 2022 due to economic challenges caused by COVID-19, increased co-financing requirements, and the gradual withdrawal of support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi).
UNICEF’s Representative in Ghana, Osama Makkawi Khogali, commended the Ghanaian government’s timely action.
“This full payment reflects a commendable prioritisation of child health,” Khogali stated. “By investing in immunisation, the government is ensuring that every Ghanaian child—regardless of location—is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.”
The payment is seen not just as a fiscal exercise, but as a crucial step in Ghana’s long-term strategy to fortify its healthcare system. It will support the rollout of new vaccines and contribute to the country’s broader goal of creating a resilient health infrastructure that can withstand future public health threats.
UNICEF further noted that Ghana’s progress aligns with the country’s “Transition Roadmap: Towards Self-financing of Immunisation Services,” which aims to gradually shift the responsibility of vaccine financing from donor organisations to domestic resources. This transition is a significant part of Ghana’s health independence agenda and reflects a deliberate move toward self-reliance in critical sectors.
Health experts say the $25 million payment is particularly important for maintaining immunisation coverage among vulnerable populations, especially children under five years of age. The payment also helps prevent outbreaks of diseases such as measles, polio, and tuberculosis, which have been largely contained through regular and widespread immunisation campaigns.
According to UNICEF, vaccine investment is one of the most cost-effective public health strategies. Ghana’s commitment to fulfilling its financial obligation is seen as a model for other countries in the region that are navigating similar post-pandemic economic constraints.
“Prevention is not only better—but also smarter—than cure,” UNICEF said in its statement.
The development has been positively received by health professionals and advocacy groups across the country, with many urging continued prioritisation of primary healthcare and immunisation. Some have also called for increased public awareness campaigns to ensure parents and guardians take advantage of the availability of vaccines to protect their children.
The move places Ghana ahead of many countries in sub-Saharan Africa that are still grappling with gaps in vaccine procurement and funding. It also sets a strong precedent for the integration of vaccine financing into broader national budgeting processes.
As Ghana moves further into its self-financing phase, UNICEF and other partners are expected to continue offering technical and advisory support to ensure a smooth transition without compromising immunisation coverage.
