Countries throughout the developing world are faced with the complexities of financing their immunization program as new vaccines are becoming available in the world vaccine market. A financial assessment of the immunization program in Ghana was conducted. The objectives of the study were the following: 1) to assess the costs and financing sources of the immunization program; 2) to evaluate the financing strategy that is being used for the immunization program; assess how successful the strategy has been in securing sufficient funding for the program as a whole, and for key components, such as vaccines, cold chain, outreach, in-service training, and personnel; and 3) to assess the costs and financial options of introducing improvements to the program.
Ghana presents a particularly interesting case to examine since it has undergone several health reforms. It decentralized its health system during the 1990’s and also began using a sector-wide approach to its health program. It has also been approved for a GFCV grant and will need to develop a financial sustainability plan in the next two years.
The assessment in Ghana examined the program within the context of its health reforms. It examined flows of funding using the sector-wide approach (SWAP) and how decentralization has affected the financing of the immunization program at the district level.
Learning Objectives: To be knowledgeable about the main issues affecting the financing of the immunization program in Ghana.
Keywords: Immunizations, Financing
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.