25/06/26
Story by George Yawson Vineh
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Brussels, Belgium as ambassador for the GAVI Alliance’s crucial vaccine replenishment efforts to participate in the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity through Immunisation, co-hosted by the European Union, the Gates Foundation, and the Vaccine Alliance.
The Summit aims to secure vital support for Gavi’s ambitious 2026-2030 strategy. And this strategy seeks to immunise an additional 500 million children, save over 8 million lives, and protect against up to 150 disease outbreaks, delivering over $100 billion in economic benefits.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson and Minister in charge of Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu states that President Mahama’s presence is to highlight the vital role of global cooperation in providing fair access to vaccines, especially in lower-income countries. Having experienced the transformative impact of immunisation in Ghana and across Africa first-hand, President Mahama has been dedicated to advocating for a fully funded Gavi.
In 2013, President John Dramani Mahama played a similar role to support the Alliance in its mission to save children’s lives and protect health by increasing immunisation.
President Mahama believes that a fully funded Gavi will save millions of lives, unlock significant economic potential, and strengthen global health security the statement stated.
The Global Summit provides a critical opportunity to garner renewed commitment from traditional and newer donors, highlighting the proven effectiveness and value of Gavi’s partnerships with governments, international organisations, civil society, communities, and industry leaders.
Since 2000, Gavi has reached over a billion children with life-saving vaccines, preventing more than 18.8 million deaths and generating over $250 billion in economic benefits for lower-income economies.While in Brussels, President Mahama will also hold discussions with many leaders, including the President of the EU Council of Ministers and Bill Gates the release ended.
