Ghana is making historic strides in reducing child deaths from malaria, with new vaccines complementing long-standing measures like insecticide-treated bed nets and preventive drugs.
Health officials describe the vaccine rollout as a “gamechanger” in a battle that claims nearly half a million young African lives annually.However, this progress faces a setback after the United States, a major donor, suspended funding to the global vaccine alliance Gavi.
The suspension is linked to a U.S. demand that Gavi phase out vaccines containing thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative falsely linked to autism despite scientific evidence confirming its safety.
Gavi confirmed the demand, noting that any changes would follow scientific consensus. Researchers warn that the funding gap could result in as many as 19,000 additional child deaths in Ghana.
Between 2020 and 2024, the U.S. contributed roughly $1.3 billion to Gavi, and the reduction, combined with cutbacks from other donors like Britain, poses a serious threat just as Ghana’s malaria interventions show significant success.While the U.S. maintains its commitment to global malaria control, experts say immediate support is critical to sustaining the country’s gains and saving lives.
