GAVI CEO pays courtesy call on Health Minister

The Ministry of Health was honoured to welcome Dr. Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi), during a courtesy call that underscored the enduring and valued partnership between Ghana and Gavi.

Her visit reflected the shared vision that every child, regardless of where they live, deserves access to life-saving vaccines.

In a statement during the meeting, the Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, highlighted the progress Ghana has made over two decades of collaboration with Gavi. 

These achievements range from the introduction of new vaccines and the strengthening of health systems to expanding access to essential immunisation services for underserved populations.

The Minister also emphasized Ghana’s commitment to sustainable immunisation financing, citing the removal of the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) cap and a 13% increase in the 2025 health budget as key milestones.

Mr. Akandoh announced plans to introduce two new vaccines, the Hepatitis B birth dose and the HPV vaccine with continued technical and financial support from Gavi.

He further noted that Ghana is working to ensure long-term sustainability as it prepares for full transition from Gavi support by 2030.

 These efforts include the development of an Investment Case for Immunisation and advancing domestic vaccine manufacturing through partnerships with Atlantic Lifesciences and DEK Vaccines, aligning with Gavi’s African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator initiative.

Dr. Nishtar praised Ghana’s consistent leadership in immunisation and its dedication to improving vaccine access for all children. 

She acknowledged the government’s strong commitment to domestic resource mobilisation, including recent policy reforms such as the removal of the NHIL cap and the increased allocation in the health budget.

She also welcomed the development of Ghana’s Investment Case for Immunisation as part of its roadmap toward transitioning from Gavi support by 2030.

 Additionally, she recognised the country’s growing role in regional vaccine manufacturing, with promising local partnerships progressing under the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator.

Dr. Nishtar expressed Gavi’s support for Ghana’s strategic direction and reaffirmed the Alliance’s continued commitment to working closely with the country throughout its transition toward full ownership of its immunisation programme.