The Ministry of Health has launched the Gavi Five-Year Programme Audit Planning and Scoping Mission, aimed at assessing Ghana’s immunisation programme and ensuring a smooth transition from Gavi support.

Delivering a welcome address on behalf of the Chief Director, Frank Raji, Director of General Administration, highlighted Ghana’s strong partnership with Gavi, which began in 2006.

He noted that between January 2020 and December 2024, Ghana benefited significantly from Gavi support through vaccine supplies, cold chain upgrades, technical assistance, and pandemic response measures.

According to him, these interventions have “bolstered immunisation, strengthened health system capacity, and protected millions from vaccine-preventable diseases.”

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with Gavi and stakeholders to develop actionable recommendations for sustainable immunisation financing and service delivery beyond the transition period.

Prof. Ayensu-Danquah described the audit as “a valuable opportunity to demonstrate accountability, reinforce systems, and deepen trust with partners.”

She further expressed the Ministry’s gratitude to Gavi and all development partners for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health of Ghanaian children, while calling for collective action to sustain progress under the national immunisation programme.

Ms Charity Tusiime, Lead of the Gavi Audit Team, explained that the review will focus on transparency, sustainability, and transition readiness as Ghana prepares to graduate from Gavi support by 2029.

She stressed that the audit will assess governance structures, supply chain systems, financial management, and immunisation data, adding that lessons from other countries will be applied to guide Ghana’s journey toward full self-financing.

The meeting brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Health Service, development partners, and the Gavi Audit Team.