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Report by Edward FRIMPONG
As contributors to advancing the global health agenda, representatives from Japan’s National Diet (Parliament of Japan) paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Health in Accra.
The visit aimed to provide the Japanese representatives with insights into how Gavi and Ghana collaborate in the immunization sector. It also sought to highlight the works of the government of Ghana, supported by Gavi and in partnership with Japan, to protect lives against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Hon. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Deputy Minister for Health, speaking on behalf of Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, Minister of Health, noted that Japan made its first commitment to Gavi at the 2011 pledging conference, pledging US$9.3 million in direct contributions for that year. Japan, he said, maintained this level of commitment until 2014, demonstrating its steadfast support for global immunisation efforts.
He added that Japan’s support for global health did not end there, it continued to aid children and the vulnerable.
He highlighted that the benefits of the long-standing and successful partnership with the Japanese government were refrigerated cargo trucks, a generator and freezer room in Tamale, a CT scanner for Ho Teaching Hospital, X-ray machines, water tankers, and ambulances.
The chief Director of the ministry, Alhaji Hafiz Adam said Gavi, supported by Japan, has been a cornerstone in advancing immunisation efforts worldwide, especially in low-income countries. Ghana, he, said has greatly benefited from this support.
He also stated that their visit underscores the important partnership between the nations in pursuing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the commitment to ensuring no one is left behind.
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