
Hope for Future Generations (HFFG), a non-governmental organization, is urging the government to commit substantial financial resources investment towards achieving immunization sovereignty for the country.
It noted that although the government had done well thus far, more had to be done, especially, as the country is in its GAVI’s (Global Vaccine Alliance) Accelerated Transition Phase.
“As the country is in GAVI’s Accelerated Transition Phase, making a deliberate effort to increase domestic resource mobilization, dedicated to the procurement of vaccines, immunization service delivery and Primary Health Care is crucial to saving lives, enhancing the quality of life and achieving immunization sovereignty,” HFFG indicated in a statement to mark the 2024 Immunization Week celebration.
GAVI is an independent public-private partnership and multilateral finance structure that aims at increasing worldwide access to the use of vaccines, particularly among vulnerable children.
GAVI has been supporting Ghana’s immunisation programme with 80 percent of the cost and delivery of vaccines and has contributed immensely to the strengthening of health systems over the years.
Following the attainment of lower middle-income status, Ghana will, from 2027, be removed from the list of beneficiary countries receiving free vaccines under GAVI support.
Per the Vaccine Alliance transition policy that aims at moving countries from development assistance to domestic financing of immunization programmes, Ghana would stay in accelerated transition until 2029 and fully transit by January 2030.
In the spirit of the Immunization Week celebration, a key component of HFFG’s Financing Immunization Advocacy Response Project (FAIR Project), it urged the government to build upon this progress by paying up the arrears by midyear.
“This commitment will further strengthen our immunization programs and contribute to achieving our shared goal of universal immunization coverage,” the statement said.
Making a case, HFFG indicated that the timely release of funds is essential for procuring vaccines to avoid shortages and address current and emerging health threats and vaccine shortages.
“Most importantly it safeguards the country against any form of shortage that could have adverse effects on the administration of vaccines especially for children,” it said.
“An increase in national budgets for Primary Health Care is vital for strengthening health systems and supporting outreach programs. These resources contribute to the development and sustenance of robust vaccination campaigns that reach even the most hard-to-reach and underserved communities,” it further argued.
Among other things, HFFG reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to advocating greater domestic resource mobilization and increased accountability for results in reaching zero-dose children and increasing immunization coverage.
The organization pledged its commitment to collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to advance public health goals and promote sustainable development.