President Mahama Champions Global Immunization Efforts in Brussels
From Ernest Best Anane, Kumasi
His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Brussels, Belgium, as a prominent advocate and ambassador for the Gavi Alliance’s crucial vaccine replenishment efforts. Mahama’s participation in the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity through Immunisation, co-hosted by the European Union, the Gates Foundation, and the Vaccine Alliance, underscores his commitment to global health security and immunization.
The summit aims to secure vital support for Gavi’s ambitious 2026-2030 strategy, which seeks to immunize an additional 500 million children, save over 8 million lives, and protect against up to 150 disease outbreaks. This initiative is expected to deliver over $100 billion in economic benefits, highlighting the significant impact of immunization on global health and economies.
Mahama’s presence at the summit highlights the vital role of global cooperation in providing fair access to vaccines, especially in lower-income countries. Having experienced firsthand the transformative impact of immunization in Ghana and across Africa, Mahama has been a dedicated advocate for a fully funded Gavi.
In 2013, Mahama played a similar role in supporting the Alliance’s mission to save children’s lives and protect health through increased immunization. He firmly believes that a fully funded Gavi will save millions of lives, unlock significant economic potential, and strengthen global health security.
The Global Summit provides a critical opportunity to garner renewed commitment from traditional and newer donors, highlighting the proven effectiveness and value of Gavi’s partnerships with governments, international organizations, civil society, communities, and industry leaders.
Since its inception in 2000, Gavi has reached over a billion children with life-saving vaccines, preventing more than 18.8 million deaths and generating over $250 billion in economic benefits for lower-income economies. Mahama’s advocacy efforts are expected to contribute significantly to these ongoing initiatives.
- As the global community comes together to address the challenges of immunization, Mahama’s leadership and dedication to this cause serve as a beacon of hope for a healthier and more prosperous future.
