Ghana Suffers $78m Blow from US Aid Suspension
Ghana’s healthcare sector has been dealt a significant setback following the suspension of US aid, with the country losing approximately $78 million in health funding, President John Mahama has revealed. Delivering a keynote address at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Mahama emphasized that the withdrawn support had previously financed critical interventions, including malaria control, maternal and child health, nutrition, and HIV/AIDS programs.
Mahama expressed concern over the impact of the aid suspension on Ghana’s healthcare system, citing a decline in global health assistance since the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the World Health Organization’s budget has been severely affected, forcing the organization to scale down programs and retrench staff.
The President urged African countries to strengthen domestic healthcare systems and reduce dependence on foreign aid to safeguard public health delivery. He emphasized that Ghana’s experience reflects a broader global trend, with humanitarian assistance declining by approximately 40 percent since the pandemic.
Mahama’s remarks come amid efforts by Ghana to enhance health sovereignty and reduce reliance on external funding. The country aims to exit GAVI funding for vaccines by 2030 and transition into a donor in the future.
The aid suspension has sparked concerns over the sustainability of healthcare financing in developing countries, with projections indicating that nearly nine million preventable deaths could occur globally by 2030 if the trend continues.
Call or WhatsApp +233 20 2190 250 and share your story.
Source: Stella Sunu
