By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
GENEVA, Switzerland – President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana is working towards ending its dependence on donor-supported vaccine procurement systems, with plans to transition from GAVI support by 2030 as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s health sovereignty.
Addressing delegates at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, the President said Ghana is positioning itself to become more self-reliant in vaccine financing and pharmaceutical production in response to changing global health dynamics and declining donor assistance.
He noted that Africa continues to face significant inequalities in global healthcare delivery despite carrying a high disease burden, stressing that the continent must begin investing aggressively in local vaccine production and medical manufacturing capacity.
President Mahama stated that Ghana’s long-term goal is not only to graduate from donor vaccine support but eventually contribute to global vaccine financing systems.
He said: “Ghana is also on track to exit GAVI funding for vaccines by 2030 and hopes to transition into a donor in the not-too-distant future.”
The President explained that the move forms part of a broader continental push for health sovereignty, where African countries build the capacity to finance their own health systems, regulate quality standards, and locally produce essential medicines and vaccines.
According to him, Africa currently manufactures less than one percent of the world’s vaccines while accounting for nearly 25 percent of the global disease burden — a situation he described as dangerous and unsustainable.
He stressed that strengthening local manufacturing, bio-innovation, and regional supply chains will be critical to protecting African countries against future global health shocks and supply chain disruptions.
President Mahama further indicated that Ghana’s health reforms, including expanded healthcare financing and investments in health infrastructure, are laying the foundation for long-term resilience and self-sufficiency in the sector.
He called on global leaders and development partners to support Africa’s transition from aid dependency to sustainable health partnerships driven by local capacity and investment.
