President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Brussels, Belgium, as a prominent advocate and ambassador for the GAVI Alliance’s crucial vaccine replenishment efforts.
A statement released on Wednesday, June 25 by the Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu said the President will participate in the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity through Immunisation, co-hosted by the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and GAVI Vaccine Alliance.
The Summit seeks to mobilise support for Gavi’s ambitious 2026-2030 strategy to immunise an additional 500 million children, save over 8 million lives, and reduce up to 150 disease outbreaks, resulting in over $100 billion in economic benefits.
President Mahama who has first-hand experience of the transformative impact of immunisation in Ghana and across Africa has for long advocated for a fully funded Gavi.
His presence at the summit emphasizes the important role of global cooperation in providing fair access to vaccines, especially in lower-income countries.
“In 2013, he 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 noted.
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.
