As USAID funding cuts jeopardise Ghana’s health sector, Mahama requires immediate response
As USAID funding cuts jeopardise Ghana’s health sector, Mahama requires immediate response. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance, has been instructed by President John Dramani Mahama to act quickly to close the financing shortfall brought on by the suspension of USAID’s international funding program.
The President’s profound worry over the estimated $156 million shortfall was expressed in a press release signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications and Spokesperson to the President, on February 11.
The estimated $78.2 million deficit is especially concerning since it jeopardises important health initiatives such as HIV/AIDS programs, family planning, nutrition, maternity and child health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and malaria control.
Antiretroviral medication supply, testing, and preventative programs are also in jeopardy.
USAID has been instrumental in Ghana’s development for more than 60 years, promoting democracy, economic growth, agriculture, health, and education. But the impact of the funding stoppage is already being seen.
Regional Directors in the three northern regions have received formal notice from the Ghana Health Service on impending supply chain disruptions and the availability of critical medical supplies.
Health sector stakeholders continue to worry about the possible effects of the budget gap on public health initiatives and key services while the administration frantically looks for alternate funding sources.
As USAID funding cuts jeopardise Ghana’s health sector, Mahama requires immediate response.
