President John Mahama has met with global health leaders in Brussels as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s commitment to universal immunisation and vaccine equity.
His engagements preceded the GAVI Vaccine Alliance pledging conference, which took place yesterday in the Belgian capital.
During discussions with José Manuel Barroso, Chair of the GAVI Board, Mr. Mahama received commendation for his continued advocacy on behalf of low- and middle-income countries. Barroso underscored the importance of President Mahama’s presence at the pledging conference, describing his leadership as vital to galvanising international donor support for GAVI’s health campaigns.
In a separate meeting with European Council President Charles Michel and philanthropist Bill Gates, President Mahama outlined recent advancements in Ghana’s health sector. He noted improvements in primary healthcare delivery, the removal of caps on the National Health Insurance Fund, and the creation of a National Vaccine Institute.
He also recognised the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s long-standing contributions to Ghana’s health outcomes and its essential support for GAVI’s global immunisation programmes.
Yesterday’s high-level pledging event marked a key moment in GAVI’s strategic plan for 2026–2030, which aims to immunise 500 million more children and avert eight million deaths globally.
As a prominent voice for equitable healthcare, President Mahama urged the international community to step up investments in immunisation, particularly in underserved regions.
Ghana’s collaboration with GAVI has already led to significant gains, including major reductions in child mortality and improved preparedness for disease outbreaks. President Mahama’s presence in Brussels reinforced Ghana’s leadership role in advocating for accessible healthcare solutions across the continent.
A longstanding proponent of immunisation, President Mahama reiterated the need for collective global action to ensure fair vaccine distribution.
“A fully funded GAVI will save lives, boost economies and fortify global health security,” he said.
This is not the first time the President has taken up the cause. In 2013, he was instrumental in rallying support for GAVI’s life-saving work.
The Global Summit on Health and Prosperity through Immunisation, co-hosted by the European Union, the Gates Foundation, and GAVI, seeks to raise support for GAVI’s 2026–2030 campaign. The initiative aims to prevent eight million deaths, respond to 150 disease outbreaks, and generate more than $100 billion in economic benefits.
Since its launch in 2000, GAVI has helped immunise over one billion children, averted nearly 19 million deaths, and contributed $250 billion in economic gains to vulnerable nations.
