The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has revealed that the government needs an amount of $25 million to procure all necessary vaccines for the country this year.
He was worried over the gradual withdrawal of donor support in Ghana’s health sector.
He was particularly concerned because the withdrawal of this donor support was troubling for healthcare delivery.
Speaking at a meeting with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana on Monday, April 14, 2025, the minister stated that the government would have to find the resources to close the gap caused by the withdrawal of our donor support.
“It is instructive to note that at this point in time, our partners who assist us in procuring most of our vaccines are gradually fading. This year alone, we need not less than $25 million to import vaccines into this country,” he stated.
President John Dramani Mahama in February directed his Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to take immediate steps to address the significant funding gap caused by the suspension of USAID’s international funding programme.
The suspension left a shortfall estimated at $156 million, with critical health and social intervention programmes at risk of disruption.
The government was particularly concerned about the projected $78.2 million shortfall that threatens essential programmes in malaria prevention, maternal and child health, family planning, reproductive health, nutrition, and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The president emphasised that the suspension of USAID funding could severely affect the availability of antiretroviral drugs, HIV testing, and prevention programmes, as well as other critical health interventions.
The government is expected to explore alternative funding mechanisms and reallocate resources to prevent any disruption in these vital programmes.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
