President Mahama to support immunisation efforts

President John Dramani Mahama has agreed to support the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation’s (GAVI Alliance) mission to save the lives of children through increased access to immunisation.

A statement from the Office of the President said President Mahama’s action by agreeing to play a special role demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to immunisation.

The announcement came after a meeting with the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GAVI Alliance, Ms Helen Evans, at the Flagstaff House, Kanda.

“As an innovative global health partner, GAVI Alliance is committed to promoting the health of children through immunisation,” the statement said.

Mr Mahama said GAVI Alliance deserves the support of all leaders desirous of building healthier communities and pledged his support it to achieve its objectives.

Ms Evans in her remarks thanked President Mahama for agreeing to help GAVI in its mission to help vaccinate children who might otherwise miss out on the protection against deadly diseases.

She said by accepting to support GAVI’s activities, the President will take a lead role in the organisation’s efforts to secure sustainable financing for its programmes.

He will co-chair the GAVI Alliance Mid-term review meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, which will update donors on GAVI’s progress after two years, Ms Evans stated.

According to her, the country in 2012 became the first GAVI-supported country to introduce vaccines against pneumococcal disease and rotavirus simultaneously.

She said Ghana will begin a demonstration project to vaccinate girls in four districts against human papillomavirus, the leading cause of cervical cancer.

“Ghana is already making impressive strides with its own vaccination programmes so we are excited and honoured that President Mahama will be working with GAVI to share the successes and the lessons learned as we head towards our replenishment”, she noted.

GAVI is a public-private global health partnership committed to saving children’s lives and protecting people’s health by increasing access to immunisation and strengthening health systems in low-income countries.