President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that he held productive discussions with philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in Brussels, ahead of the Gavi Vaccine Alliance’s pledging session.
The high-level meeting, held on the sidelines of the global health summit, focused on Ghana’s strategic interventions in the health sector, with particular emphasis on vaccine access, primary healthcare, and sustainable financing.
In a post on X, President shared after the meeting, President Mahama said the discussions covered significant national efforts, including Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare programme, the operational progress of the National Vaccine Institute, and the positive impact of uncapping the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIS)—a policy move aimed at expanding healthcare access and improving financing.
“I had productive discussions with Bill Gates this afternoon in Brussels, ahead of the Gavi Vaccine Alliance pledging session,” Mahama said. “Our discussion focused on Ghana’s vital interventions in the health sector.”
He expressed appreciation to Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation for their philanthropic contributions to Ghana’s health sector and their longstanding support for Gavi’s vaccine delivery efforts across Africa and beyond.
The former president also met with José Manuel Barroso, Chair of the Gavi Board and former President of the European Commission. According to Mahama, Barroso commended him for his consistent advocacy and support for Gavi’s mission to expand access to life-saving vaccines in lower-income countries.
“Supporting an organisation that is doing such crucial work for global health is always a pleasure,” Mahama remarked.
As global leaders prepare for the vaccine pledging session, Mahama emphasized the importance of international collaboration and sustained investment in health systems to secure a healthier future for all.
“These meetings underscore the importance of international collaboration and sustained investment in health systems.I look forward to the pledging session and advocating for continued support for Gavi’s life-saving work.” he noted
The Gavi Vaccine Alliance has been instrumental in delivering vaccines to millions of children across the world, and Ghana remains one of its active partners in health equity and immunisation expansion.