The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has revealed that the government needs an amount of $25 million to procure all necessary vaccines for the country this year.

He expressed concern over the gradual withdrawal of donor support in Ghana’s health sector, noting that the decline in external assistance poses a serious challenge to healthcare delivery.

Speaking at a meeting with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana on Monday, April 14, 2025, the minister stressed the need for the government to mobilize resources to bridge the funding gap left by the reduction in donor support.

“It is instructive to note that at this point in time, our partners who assist us in procuring most of our vaccines are gradually fading. This year alone, we need not less than $25 million to import vaccines into this country,” he stated.

In February, President John Dramani Mahama directed his Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to take immediate steps to address the significant funding gap caused by the suspension of USAID’s international funding programme.

The suspension has resulted in an estimated shortfall of $156 million, putting critical health and social intervention programmes at risk of disruption.

The government is particularly concerned about the projected $78.2 million deficit, which threatens essential programmes related to malaria prevention, maternal and child health, family planning, reproductive health, nutrition, and the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The president emphasized that the suspension of USAID funding could severely impact the availability of antiretroviral drugs, HIV testing and prevention programmes, as well as other key health interventions.

The government is expected to explore alternative funding mechanisms and reallocate resources to prevent any disruption to these vital programmes.