UHAS Symposium Urges Government to Secure Sustainable Domestic Financing for Primary Health Care and Immunization

A high-level multi-stakeholder symposium organized by the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has issued a call to action for the Ghanaian government to prioritize sustainable domestic financing for primary health care (PHC) and immunization. Following the forum held in Ho, Volta Region, stakeholders expressed concern that the national health budget consistently falls short of the 15% Abuja Declaration target. This funding gap has created significant hurdles for health reforms and long-term sustainability, prompting experts to demand a more robust financial roadmap to ensure that no citizen is left behind in the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the impending 2030 deadline for Ghana’s immunization program to transition to full self-financing. Currently reliant on international support, the country faces a critical juncture as it must prepare to absorb the total cost of vaccine procurement and delivery. The symposium’s position statement emphasizes that without a dedicated and reliable funding stream, the gains made in reducing child mortality and controlling preventable diseases could be at risk. To mitigate this, experts suggest establishing specific budget lines for vaccines and integrating immunization costs into the broader Free Primary Healthcare framework.

To bridge the financing gap, the stakeholders proposed several innovative domestic resource mobilization strategies. These include the earmarking of excise-tax revenue—often referred to as "sin taxes" on products like tobacco and alcohol—specifically for health initiatives, as well as the exploration of health bonds. By diversifying the sources of revenue, the government can create a more resilient health system that is less vulnerable to external economic shocks or shifts in donor priorities. Furthermore, the symposium highlighted the necessity of supporting regional vaccine manufacturing by 2030 to enhance security of supply and reduce procurement costs.

The recommendations from the UHAS symposium serve as a critical blueprint for the administration of President John Mahama as it seeks to strengthen the nation's health infrastructure. By adopting a comprehensive roadmap for health financing, Ghana can transition from donor dependency to a self-sustaining model that guarantees primary health services for all. As the 2030 deadline approaches, the integration of these financial instruments into national policy will be essential to maintaining the country's status as a leader in regional health outcomes and achieving its long-term development goals.