President Mahama Arrives in Brussels to Champion Global Vaccine Access at GAVI Summit

President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Brussels, Belgium, as a leading advocate for global vaccine equity and replenishment under the GAVI Alliance’s 2026–2030 strategy. His visit forms part of his participation in the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity through Immunisation, co-hosted by the European Union, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Vaccine Alliance.

The high-level summit aims to rally financial commitments toward GAVI’s ambitious plan to immunise an additional 500 million children, prevent over 8 million deaths, and contain up to 150 disease outbreaks—generating more than $100 billion in economic gains for lower-income nations.

In a statement released on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Ghana’s Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, noted that President Mahama’s presence reflects his strong commitment to promoting fair and universal access to life-saving vaccines, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable populations.

As President of Ghana, Mahama has long supported immunisation as a cornerstone of public health policy. His government has invested heavily in routine immunisation programmes and healthcare system strengthening, citing vaccines as a cost-effective means to reduce child mortality and foster national development.

This is not the first time President Mahama has supported GAVI on the international stage. In 2013, during his previous term, he played a pivotal role in mobilising global support for the Alliance’s life-saving mission.

“President Mahama firmly believes that a fully funded GAVI Alliance is essential to saving lives, strengthening global health security, and unlocking economic opportunities for developing nations,” the statement read.

Since its establishment in 2000, GAVI has delivered vaccines to over one billion children, helped avert more than 18.8 million deaths, and contributed over $250 billion in economic benefits to low-income countries.

During his stay in Brussels, President Mahama is also expected to hold high-level discussions with global leaders, including the President of the European Council and philanthropist Bill Gates. These engagements will focus on enhancing international collaboration around health financing, vaccine equity, and resilience against future pandemics.