Ghana is preparing to fully finance vaccines and critical medicines from 2030 as support from the Global Fund gradually winds down, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced.

The Minister said the government is taking deliberate steps to ensure the country’s health system remains sustainable and resilient as external funding support is expected to end by 2029.

Dr. Forson made the remarks during a meeting with the World  Health Organisation’s Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Yakub Janabi, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, where discussions focused on strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system.

“As support from the Global Fund for vaccines and critical medicines winds down by 2029, we are taking steps to ensure that, beginning January 2030, Ghana fully budgets for and finances these vaccines and essential medicines,” he said.

He explained that the policy shift forms part of broader reforms aimed at improving both life expectancy and quality of life in Ghana.

According to him, since 2025, the government has increased budgetary allocations to the health sector, uncapped the National Health Insurance Levy, and ensured that the National Health Insurance Authority receives full funding strictly for health-related services.

Dr. Forson also highlighted increased investment in non-communicable disease prevention and treatment through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and the establishment of specialised treatment centres across the country.

He further pointed to the recent launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme as part of efforts to expand access to basic healthcare services nationwide.

For his part, Dr. Janabi commended Ghana’s health sector reforms and stressed the importance of a healthy population in driving productivity and economic growth.

He also encouraged African countries to reduce dependence on imported medicines and vaccines by investing in local production capacity and strengthening systems to combat non-communicable diseases.

Citinewsroom