HFFG calls on government to make significant financing investments toward achieving immunization sovereignty

Hope for Future Generations (HFFG) is delighted to participate in the 2024 Immunization Week celebration, as a key component of the Financing Immunization Advocacy Response Project (FAIR Project).

Under the theme "Humanly Possible: Saving Lives through Immunization," this year's Immunization Week celebration underscores the extraordinary impact of immunization in preserving and enhancing human life.

As the country is in GAVI’s Accelerated Transition Phase, making a deliberate effort to increase domestic resource mobilization, dedicated to the procurement of vaccines, immunization service delivery and Primary Health Care, is crucial to saving lives, enhancing the quality of life and achieving immunization sovereignty.

We commend the government for the part payment already made towards its co-financing obligation this year.

In the spirit of the Immunization Week celebration, we urge the government to build upon this progress by paying up the arrears by midyear. This commitment will further strengthen our immunization programs and contribute to achieving our shared goal of universal immunization coverage.

WHY URGENCY MATTERS:

Vaccine Procurement: The timely release of funds is essential for procuring vaccines to avoid shortages and address current and emerging health threats and vaccine shortages. Most importantly it safeguards the country against any form of shortage that could have adverse effects on the administration of vaccines especially for children.

Infrastructure and Outreach: An increase in national budgets for Primary Health Care is vital for strengthening health systems and supporting outreach programs. These resources contribute to the development and sustenance of robust vaccination campaigns that reach even the most hard-to-reach and underserved communities.

Global Health Security; Ensuring sustainable domestic funding for immunization programs is crucial. Readily available and adequate resources enable countries torespond swiftly with vaccination response during public health emergencies, protecting populations and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

As we reflect on the progress made and the challenges ahead, HFFG reaffirms its unwavering dedication to advocating for greater domestic resource mobilization and increased accountability for results in reaching zero-dose children and increasing immunization coverage (including newly introduced vaccines).

We remain committed to collaborating with the Government of Ghana and other stakeholders to advance public health goals and promote sustainable development.

Join us, as we celebrate the remarkable impact of immunization and renew our collective resolve to save lives through Immunization.