By A.B. Kafui Kanyi, GNA
Ho, Dec. 14, GNA - Civil Society Organizations (CSO) in Volta Region have called on government to create an immunization sustainability fund.
They said such a fund would help increase domestic funding of immunization in the spirit of Ghana beyond Aid and sustain gains being made.
The CSOs said this at an immunization advocacy initiative roundtable organised by Hope for Future Generation (HFFG) with funding from the African Population Health Research Centre (APHRC) in Ho.
They said the current domestic funding between 29 and 35 per cent from 2016 to 2018 was not sustainable and called for urgent action to consolidate the gains.
The CSOs said the country could no longer rely on GAVI and other donors, some, already pulling out as in the case of HIV and malaria.
They said in 2016 and 2017 when some donors pulled out, the country had shortages in yellow fever and BCG vaccines and called for a change in attitude towards disease prevention.
Madam Gladys Damalin, Programmes and Advocacy Manager, HFFG, who led the discussion, said Ghana signed many international treaties including the "Addis Declaration" to improve domestic resource allocation and sustainability of immunization programmes.
She said the challenge was that many children, especially those in hard to reach areas missed immunization sessions due to poor funding and it is important for government to release enough funding for the exercise.
Mr Christian Gohoho from the Ho Municipal Health Directorate said the Municipality was not able to achieve "a minimum of 80 per cent" for any vaccination coverage for the past five years.
He said this year's half year target of 4,379 children to be vaccinated was also not met and called for concerted efforts from stakeholders.
GNA
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS