GAVI CEO tours Ghana to evaluate immunization initiatives

Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, is visiting Ghana for three days. Her goal is to strengthen partnerships as Ghana transitions from GAVI’s support.

She will meet with President John Dramani Mahama and key ministers. Dr. Nishtar will also engage with GAVI partners and stakeholders.

On Monday, she toured health facilities in Gomoa East. She visited St. Gregory Catholic Hospital and Nyanyano Community Health Centre to observe immunisation sessions.

At St. Gregory Catholic Hospital in Buduburam, she assessed the Paediatric Ward and Immunisation Centre. She monitored vaccination activities during her visit.

Dr. Nishtar also went to the Oyinase outreach point in Kasoa Nyanyano. There, she observed child immunisation and interacted with health workers and caregivers. She even administered vaccines to children herself.

She praised Ghana’s immunisation progress and reaffirmed GAVI’s commitment to vaccination efforts. Dr. Nishtar noted that Ghana's 80% coverage for the third vaccine dose serves as a model for Africa.

She recognized challenges faced by health workers, such as serving displaced populations and difficult terrains. Dr. Nishtar commended the government’s commitment to mobilising domestic resources.

She praised Ghana’s leadership in improving vaccine access through its Investment Case for Immunisation by 2030.

Dr. Nishtar highlighted Ghana's growing role in regional vaccine manufacturing under the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA). She assured continued GAVI support for Ghana's immunisation programme as it moves towards full ownership.

Prof. Samuel Akoriyea Kaba, Director General of the Ghana Health Service, thanked GAVI for its ongoing support. He pledged that every child would receive essential vaccines in Ghana.

Dr. Nishtar was accompanied by officials from various health organizations and community leaders during her visit.

Her trip underscores the strong partnership between GAVI and Ghanaian health authorities in enhancing vaccine coverage and healthcare delivery.

It reaffirms GAVI’s commitment to supporting immunisation financing, promoting digital innovation, and improving vaccine distribution methods like biometric verification and drone delivery systems.

GAVI was founded in 2000 to improve vaccine access for children in low-income countries. It has helped immunise over half of the world’s children against life-threatening diseases.

For over 20 years, GAVI has collaborated with Ghana on new vaccines and strengthening health systems while reaching underserved populations.

This long-standing partnership has made Ghana a model for immunisation success across Africa.