Mahama leads global call for vaccine access for 500 million at-risk children

President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Brussels, Belgium, as an advocate for international vaccine funding to support immunisation efforts in lower-income countries, including Ghana.

He is participating in the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity through Immunisation, which opened on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

The summit, co-hosted by the European Union, the Gates Foundation, and the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), aims to raise funds for Gavi’s 2026–2030 vaccine replenishment plan.

The initiative targets the vaccination of an additional 500 million children, the prevention of up to 150 disease outbreaks, and the saving of more than 8 million lives worldwide.

Mr Mahama is attending as a leading African voice, drawing on his direct experience with the impact of immunisation in Ghana and across the continent.

His participation includes appealing to donor nations to support Gavi’s upcoming programme. He played a similar role in 2013, supporting Gavi’s mission to expand vaccine access and improve public health.

In a statement signed by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, the Presidency said, “President Mahama’s presence reflects the need for global action to make vaccines available and affordable, particularly for countries with limited resources.”

The statement added that Mr Mahama believes a fully funded Gavi could help save lives, expand economic opportunities, and improve public health systems in countries such as Ghana.

The summit brings together representatives from governments, international agencies, civil society groups, and private sector leaders to encourage financial backing from both longstanding and new partners.

While in Brussels, Mr Mahama is also expected to hold discussions with several global leaders, including the President of the EU Council of Ministers and Mr Bill Gates.

Gavi, established in 2000, has supported the vaccination of more than one billion children and is credited with preventing over 18.8 million deaths.

Its work is also estimated to have generated more than 250 billion US dollars in economic benefits for lower-income countries.

Mr Mahama’s attendance at the summit is part of broader efforts to promote vaccine access and secure international support for public health programmes that benefit vulnerable populations across Africa.