Hope for Future Generations (HFFG) and SEND GHANA, have successfully concluded a two-day Citizens' Policy Cafe aimed at gathering valuable inputs for the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.

This initiative is part of the organizations' ongoing efforts to promote Immunization Financing and secure a commitment from the government to allocate more domestic resources to immunization and Primary Health Care.

 The events, which took place in Accra, brought together participants from the Eastern, and Greater Accra regions to engage in meaningful discussions and share their perspectives on budget priorities.

A separate Policy Cafe was also organized in the Volta regional capital, Ho, as part of the effort to ensure that citizens' voices from various regions are included in the budgeting process.

The Citizens' Policy Cafe provided a platform for citizens to express their concerns, needs, and expectations regarding healthcare, immunization, and primary healthcare funding.

Participants engaged in constructive dialogues, generating essential insights that will inform and shape budget decisions for 2024.

Executive Director of Hope for Future Generations Cecilia Senoo said; "At HFFG, we believe in the power of citizen engagement to drive meaningful change. The 2024 budget is a crucial opportunity to prioritize healthcare and immunization financing, and we are grateful for the valuable contributions of citizens from the Eastern and Greater Accra regions. Together, we can ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for all."

Deputy Country Director for SEND GHANA Dr. Emmanuel Ayifah, emphasized the importance of these dialogues, saying; "Citizen Participation is the cornerstone of a transparent and accountable budgeting process. The insights we have gathered through this Policy Cafe will strengthen our advocacy efforts to secure more domestic resources for immunization and primary healthcare. We are committed to working collaboratively with the government to improve healthcare outcomes for all Ghanaians."

This collaborative event provided a platform for Stakeholders like the Global Health Advocacy Incubator and (GHAI) to join the discussion on the current state of immunization financing arrangements in Ghana. UNICEF's and GHAI’s involvement underscored their commitment to supporting global health initiatives, ensuring equitable access to health services including vaccines and improving the lives of children in Ghana and around the world.

The Citizens' Policy Cafe is part of an Immunization Financing campaign led by HFFG to advocate increased domestic resource mobilization at the national and/or subnational level dedicated to Primary Healthcare (PHC) and immunization service delivery and ensure timely payment of Gavi co-financing obligations.

This will ultimately result in healthier, more resilient communities and sustainable development in Ghana.