Ghana addresses $156M healthcare funding gap from USAID suspension

Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has directed Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to urgently address a $156 million funding shortfall resulting from the suspension of USAID support. This funding gap poses a significant threat to critical health programs, particularly a projected $78.2 million shortfall that impacts malaria prevention, maternal and child health, family planning, and HIV/AIDS interventions. The President's directive emphasizes the need for immediate action to secure alternative funding to prevent disruptions in essential healthcare services. The Ghana Health Service has already warned of potential supply chain issues in the northern regions due to this funding crisis. USAID has played a crucial role in Ghana's development for over six decades, and the current funding cut is expected to have severe implications on health and social programs. The government aims to prioritize resource allocation to mitigate the adverse effects of this financial challenge.