The Deputy Minister for Health, Mr. Alexander Akwasi Acquah has highlighted Japan’s longstanding commitment to global health, especially its US$9.3 million support to the Gavi project.
He noted that Japan made its first significant pledge to Gavi at the 2011 pledging conference, adding, “Japan maintained this level of commitment until 2014, demonstrating its steadfast support for global immunisation efforts,” he stated.
Mr Akwasi Acquah said this when representatives from Japan’s National Diet paid a visit to the Ministry of Health in Accra to gain insights into the collaboration between Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and Ghana in the immunisation programme.
The visit also aimed to showcase the ongoing efforts by the government of Ghana, supported by Gavi and in partnership with Japan, to protect lives against vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Deputy Minister outlined the tangible benefits of the successful partnership with Japan, which include the provision of refrigerated cargo trucks, a generator and freezer room in Tamale, a CT scanner for Ho Teaching Hospital, X-ray machines, water tankers and ambulances. These contributions have significantly bolstered Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure.
On his part, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adam acknowledged Japan’s critical role, through Gavi, in advancing immunisation efforts, particularly in low-income countries.
This partnership is pivotal in pursuing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential health services.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
