Health Crisis Looms in Northern Ghana as USAID Suspends Aid

Accra, Ghana 04 Feb, 2025 - A critical shortage of essential medicines and health commodities is threatening the healthcare system in northern Ghana, following the suspension of United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) support for supply chain activities.

The decision, taken in response to a global freeze on foreign aid by U.S President Donald Trump, has halted the distribution of vital health supplies to the Northern, North East, and Savannah Regions.

Regional health officials have warned that the disruption will have severe consequences for healthcare service delivery, including stockouts of essential medicines, vaccines, and other critical health supplies. The suspension also threatens to undermine procurement and supply chain management systems, as well as the implementation of public health programmes.

Dr. Abdulai Abukari, Regional Director of Health Service in Northern Ghana, sounded the alarm on the devastating consequences of disrupting healthcare supply chains in a letter directed to the Director General of the Ghana Health Service.

According to him, this disruption will likely cause:

- Stockouts and Shortages: Essential medicines, vaccines, and critical health supplies will be in short supply due to the halt in distribution services.
- Procurement and Supply Chain Management Breakdown: The withdrawal of technical assistance and logistics coordination will cripple inventory management, tracking, and reporting systems.
- Public Health Programme Disruptions: Programmes supporting maternal and child health, malaria prevention, family planning, and HIV/AIDS services, all funded by USAID, are at risk of experiencing shortages.

As a temporary solution, health officials are considering partnering with SkyNet Express, a logistics company previously engaged by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) for last-mile distribution. However, a long-term solution is needed to ensure the sustainability of critical health services in the region.

The aid suspension has sparked concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children, and people living with HIV/AIDS. Health officials are working to mitigate the effects of the suspension, but the situation remains critical.

Source: Lead News Online