President Joh Dramani Mahama has arrived in Brussels to participate in a high-level international summit on vaccine replenishment, taking on a leading role in global advocacy for equitable immunisation efforts.
The Ghanaian leader is attending as a prominent ambassador for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, whose work continues to transform public health outcomes across the developing world.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, President Mahama is said to be attending the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity through Immunisation, co-hosted by the European Union, the Gates Foundation, and the Gavi Alliance.
The summit brings together political leaders, philanthropic organisations, and health advocates to mobilise support for Gavi’s ambitious 2026–2030 strategy.
“The Summit aims to secure vital support for Gavi’s ambitious 2026–2030 strategy. 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,” said Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
The statement emphasized that President Mahama’s involvement highlights the critical need for international cooperation to guarantee equitable and consistent access to vaccines.
This is particularly important for low-income nations grappling with financial and logistical challenges in obtaining essential immunisations.
His presence at the summit reflects the broader push for global solidarity in bridging vaccine access gaps worldwide.
President Mahama’s commitment to vaccine replenishment efforts is rooted in his long-standing support for Gavi and similar global health initiatives.
As the statement recalled, he played a similar role in 2013, backing the Alliance’s mission to extend immunisation coverage to millions of children in underserved regions.
“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.”
Now, over a decade later, Mahama returns to the global health stage, calling for renewed and increased donor commitments to fund Gavi’s next chapter.
“President Mahama believes that a fully funded Gavi will save millions of lives, unlock significant economic potential, and strengthen global health security,” Felix Kwakye Ofosu said.
The Brussels summit presents a key opportunity to attract both traditional and emerging donors to invest in the next phase of Gavi’s work.
It also aims to highlight how partnerships between governments, multilateral organisations, communities, civil society, and industry have been vital in extending vaccine coverage to the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Since its inception in 2000, Gavi has administered over a billion doses of vaccines, helping to avert more than 18.8 million deaths.
These efforts have translated into over $250 billion in economic benefits for lower-income nations, reinforcing the global case for continued investment in immunisation programmes.
The statement further noted that President Mahama is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders during his time in Brussels.
“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 statement noted further.
These high-level talks are expected to reinforce the shared commitment to bolstering vaccine distribution and pandemic preparedness worldwide.
President Mahama’s continued engagement with global health advocacy also reflects broader regional aspirations.
African leaders, in particular, are pushing for stronger local vaccine manufacturing capabilities and more inclusive participation in global health decision-making. Mahama’s presence at the summit symbolises both support for Gavi and Africa’s growing voice in shaping international health policy.
The significance of this moment is amplified by the recent lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, which revealed the vulnerabilities of unequal vaccine distribution and the dangers of underfunded health systems.
Leaders at the Brussels summit are expected to reflect on those lessons and pledge to avoid a repeat by committing resources early and strategically.
According to Gavi’s organisers, the 2026–2030 strategy will rely heavily on early donor support to ensure planning, procurement, and supply chains are adequately resourced.
Delayed funding, they warned, could hamper efforts to scale up immunisation drives, especially in regions that are already dealing with the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles and polio.
For Ghana, and many countries like it, Gavi remains a critical partner. The Alliance’s efforts have contributed to a marked reduction in vaccine-preventable illnesses and have supported public health infrastructure across the continent.
By advocating for vaccine replenishment at the summit, President Mahama is not only representing Ghana but also amplifying the needs of lower-income countries still striving to meet universal immunisation goals.