By Albert Futukpor, GNA
Tamale, Dec. 19, GNA - Stakeholders at a regional engagement session on 2020 immunisation budget analysis have expressed worry at the lack of commitment on the part of the state to adequately fund immunization activities in the country.
They said poor domestic funding for immunization activities coupled with the emergence of polio in the north presented danger for the wellbeing of children, who needed to be immunized against diseases such as polio, measles and rubella amongst others.
The event, held in Tamale and attended by representatives of traditional and religious leaders, public institutions and civil society organisations, was organised by SEND GHANA in partnership with the African Population and Health Research Center as part of its Immunization Advocacy Initiative.
A SEND GHANA’s analysis of the 2020 budget on immunization, which was presented during the regional engagement session, showed that not much was being done by the state to increase domestic funding for immunization activities.
It was revealed that unlike previous budgets, immunization was not even mentioned in the 2020 budget as the country is relying on the GAVI arrangement, where donors partly fund her immunization activities.
However, the GAVI arrangement will end in 2026, where the country is expected to fully fund her immunization activities, hence the advocacy for improved immunization financing through sustained increased budgetary allocation and full disbursement of the funds to undertake such activities.
The stakeholders suggested that issues of immunization should assume centre stage in all public discourse in the country to influence the government to commit more resources to the sector.
Mr Mohammed Adam, a retired District Coordinating Director, said immunization is crucial in safeguarding the health of children and called on government and all local authorities to prioritise it to ensure a healthy society.
Ndigmah Taklimi Joseph, sub-chief at Saboba in the Northern Region, suggested that government use part of the oil revenues to support immunization activities because it is important for children to grow well and be healthy to enjoy free education, which was also supported with oil revenues.
Mr Mumuni Mohammed, Regional Programme Manager of SEND GHANA, reiterated the call for government to ensure a sustained increase on domestic financing for immunization activities to sustain the gains made in the sector.
GNA
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