Government to fully finance vaccines, critical medicines from 2030 – Ato Forson

Government has announced plans to fully finance vaccines and critical medicines from 2030 as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system and reduce dependence on external support.

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, said the move forms part of measures being implemented to ensure the sustainability and resilience of the country’s health sector ahead of the expected withdrawal of donor support by 2029.

“As support from the Global Fund for vaccines and critical medicines winds down by 2029, we are taking steps to ensure that, beginning January 2030, Ghana fully budgets for and finances these vaccines and essential medicines,” he said.

He made the remarks during a meeting with the World Health Organisation Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Yakub Janabi, on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

According to the finance minister, the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at improving life expectancy and the overall quality of healthcare delivery in the country.

He noted that since 2025, government has increased budgetary allocations to the health sector, removed restrictions on the National Health Insurance Levy, and ensured that the National Health Insurance Authority receives full funding strictly for healthcare-related services.

Dr Forson also referenced the recent rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, describing it as a key intervention to expand access to essential healthcare services across the country.

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He further urged African countries to reduce reliance on imported medicines and vaccines by investing in local pharmaceutical production and strengthening systems to address non-communicable diseases.

The finance minister added that government has also increased investment in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, alongside the establishment of specialised treatment centres nationwide.

SO/SA

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