World News
USAID program suspensions leave Ghana facing $78 million health funding shortfall
Disruptions to health and immunization programs in Ghana highlight broader pressures as the country transitions toward fully self-funded vaccines by 2030.
The short version
- The suspension of USAID programs has left Ghana with an estimated $156 million overall funding gap, including a $78.2 million shortfall in its health sector.
- Health workers and local health officials report that the loss of funds threatens routine immunizations, vaccine supplies, and outreach services, particularly in remote areas.
- While local officials and private sector leaders suggest domestic financing and health tourism could bridge the gap, private investment cannot immediately substitute for public health infrastructure.
- The immediate funding disruption coincides with a planned transition for Ghana to assume full financial responsibility for its immunization programs from Gavi by 2030.
Key facts
- The suspension of USAID programs created an estimated $156 million overall funding gap in Ghana, with $78.2 million directly affecting health programs.[Al Jazeera]
- A study in northern Ghana indicated that 75 percent of surveyed districts experienced vaccine delays or irregular supplies following donor withdrawals.[Al Jazeera]
- Ghana is in an accelerated transition from Gavi support and is scheduled to fully finance its national immunization program starting in 2030.[Al Jazeera]
- A 2025 survey in Ghana's Oti region showed basic antigen coverage reached 85.3 percent, while national schedule coverage stood at 62.1 percent.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- The timeline and effectiveness of alternative domestic financing mechanisms, including local private sector investments and CSOs, to cover immediate routine immunization costs remain unverified.[Al Jazeera]