HFFG calls for stronger domestic financing to prevent vaccine shortages

The Hope for Future Generations (HFFG), a non-governmental organisation, has urged the Government to prioritise sustainable domestic financing for immunisation in the 2026 budget implementation to prevent a recurrence of crippling vaccine stockouts.

This call follows the presentation of the 2026 Budget, which increased the health sector allocation to GHS 22.8 billion.

HFFG’s analysis was detailed in a release copied to the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday.

While commending this and other measures, it stressed that over-reliance on dwindling external support threatens the nation’s immunisation gains.

The release said that with Gavi’s co-financing support phasing out, Ghana urgently needs to secure sustainable domestic funding to prevent future vaccine stockouts, as experienced in 2022 and 2023.

It noted that inflationary pressures effectively reduced the real value of the health budget, constraining its purchasing power.

It cautioned that without decisive action, procurement delays and shortages could resurface, derailing progress towards Universal Health Coverage.

To build a self-reliant health system, HFFG proposed critical interventions. Top of the agenda is the creation of a dedicated,ring-fenced immunisation budget line within the national budget to ensure transparent and timely funding.

The release advocated the strategic mainstreaming of immunisation services into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) benefit packages.

That, it said, would ensure equitable access and provide a predictable, long-term financial mechanism for vaccines.

Other recommendations include accelerating investment in the Ghana Vaccine Institute for local production and strengthening epidemic preparedness funding.

It called on policymakers to act swiftly in addressing those critical gaps to safeguard the health and well-being of citizens.