When Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, touched down in Ghana on May 3rd, it wasn’t just another high-level visit. It felt like the continuation of a long-standing partnership—one rooted in a shared mission: that every child, everywhere, deserves protection from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Alongside teams from the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, WHO and other partners, Dr Nishtar and the Gavi delegation embarked on a field visit to Gomoa East in the Central Region to observe immunization service delivery with a focus on malaria vaccination — an intervention at the heart of Ghana’s public health priorities.
Photo @Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa/ WHOGhana
The team observed the delivery of a comprehensive child health services, including immunization, at the St. Gregory Hospital located at the heart of the Buduburam Refugee Camp. They also visited the pediatric unit, where the team was pleased to note that none of the admissions were due to malaria or any vaccine-preventable condition. Led by Dr. Sania, the team demonstrated compassion to the hospitalized children and their caregivers. The team also visited an outreach immunization session in Onyaadze Community, Nyanyano, where children received their vaccines, and other childhood interventions. Each child vaccinated is
During her three-day visit to Ghana, Dr. Nishtar engaged with alliance partners—WHO, UNICEF, and the World Bank, and global partners (IMF, UNAIDS) —for a strategic dialogue on health financing in Ghana. Conversations focused on aligning support under Gavi’s new strategy, known as Gavi 6.0, and on the bold ambitions of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA). It was a moment to reaffirm shared commitments to Ghana’s journey toward stronger, more self-sustaining health systems.
Photo @Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa/ WHOGhana
The Gavi delegation with Alliance Partners also engaged with the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Health. Together, they explored sustainable health financing, Gavi’s support under the new strategy, and opportunities for deeper collaboration.
In her remarks, the WHO Country Representative, Dr Fiona Braka, congratulated Ghana for its strong immunization system which is recognized as one of the best in Africa.
In her remarks, the WHO Country Representative, Dr Fiona Braka, congratulated Ghana for its strong immunization system which is recognized as one of the best in Africa.
Photo @Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa/ WHOGhana
“I congratulate Ghana for its strong immunization system, which continues to be recognized as one of the best in Africa. I also commend the country for the establishment of the National Health Insurance Scheme, which has significantly improved healthcare access and equity for millions of Ghanaians”, she said.
Photo @Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa/ WHOGhana
A High-Level Meeting with H.E. the President of Ghana was held—a moment that underscored the strength of the Ghana–Gavi partnership and the collective progress it has inspired.
Photo @Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa/ WHOGhana
As the visit drew to a close, a joint press statement was released at the Ministry of Health, celebrating Ghana’s leadership in immunization and reaffirming the commitment of the Ministry of Health, Gavi, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the World Bank to strengthening sustainable health financing. The statement highlighted key milestones such as the introduction of 15 vaccines into routine immunization, the rollout of the malaria vaccine, and the planned introduction of the HPV vaccine and Hepatitis B Birth Dose. The partners also commended Ghana’s growing investments in health, including increased funding for vaccine procurement, and emphasized the country’s commitment to fully funding immunization from its national budget.
Photo @Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa/ WHOGhana
Over the years, Gavi has supported Ghana in introducing life-saving vaccines, and building stronger delivery systems. Ghana is in the accelerated transition phase towards full financing of vaccines by 2030. Together, Ghana and Gavi are imagining a future where no child is missed, where health systems are resilient, and where vaccine equity becomes a lasting reality.
For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Country Office
Email: abdullahiea@who.int
Tel: +233 20 196 2393
For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Country Office
Email: abdullahiea@who.int
Tel: +233 20 196 2393