President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Brussels to participate in the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity through Immunisation, reaffirming his strong commitment to vaccine equity and global health security.
The high-level summit, co-hosted by the European Union, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the GAVI Vaccine Alliance, aims to raise funds to support Gavi’s ambitious 2026–2030 strategy.
The plan targets the immunisation of 500 million additional children, the prevention of over 8 million deaths, and efforts to contain up to 150 potential disease outbreaks, with projected global economic benefits exceeding $100 billion.
In a statement signed by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the presidency confirmed President Mahama’s participation and highlighted his long-standing role in championing equitable access to vaccines—dating back to his active involvement with Gavi’s mission since 2013.
President Mahama’s presence in Brussels underscores the urgency of renewed international cooperation to ensure vaccine delivery to lower-income countries. Ahead of the summit, he emphasized the multi-dimensional importance of Gavi’s work.
“A fully funded Gavi is not just a health imperative—it is an economic and moral one,” he said, drawing on Ghana’s own progress in immunisation efforts.
The summit is considered a pivotal moment to galvanise support from traditional donors and emerging partners alike.
It also reinforces the effectiveness of Gavi’s unique public-private model, which unites governments, multilateral organisations, civil society, and the private sector to improve global vaccine coverage.
Since its inception in 2000, Gavi has helped immunise over 1 billion children, prevented more than 18.8 million deaths, and generated over $250 billion in economic gains for low-income countries.
During his time in Brussels, President Mahama is also expected to hold high-level meetings with global leaders, including the President of the EU Council of Ministers and philanthropist Bill Gates, as part of broader efforts to strengthen global health systems and secure a sustainable future for immunisation programs worldwide.
