The call for the establishment of public health emergency funds at both national and local levels in Ghana has gained significant traction, spearheaded by organizations like SEND Ghana. This advocacy stems from a recognized need to bolster the nation’s preparedness for unforeseen health crises, particularly in light of dwindling donor support. SEND Ghana argues that relying solely on external funding for health emergencies is unsustainable and that a proactive approach utilizing domestic resources is crucial for long-term resilience. This shift towards self-reliance in health emergency financing is deemed essential to ensure a timely and effective response to future outbreaks and health crises.
The dwindling donor contributions for health emergencies have underscored the vulnerability of relying on external funding. SEND Ghana’s Country Director, Harriet Nuamah Agyemang, emphasizes the urgency of establishing these funds, noting the declining trend in donor support. This necessitates a paradigm shift towards domestic resource mobilization for health security, empowering Ghana to take ownership of its emergency preparedness and response. The advocacy underscores the need for a dedicated and predictable funding stream, ensuring consistent resource availability to effectively manage health crises without relying on the unpredictable nature of international aid.
While some local assemblies, like Ketu Assembly, have demonstrated proactive measures by allocating annual funds for emergency preparedness, SEND Ghana advocates for a nationwide initiative. This nationwide approach would standardize and streamline emergency funding, ensuring consistent preparedness across all districts, minimizing disparities in response capabilities. A national framework would create a unified system, ensuring that all regions have access to necessary resources during emergencies, regardless of variations in local assembly budgets. This would not only strengthen the country’s overall preparedness but also enhance equity in healthcare access during crises.
Furthermore, SEND Ghana urges the integration of a public health emergency fund provision into the revised Public Health Act, currently under review. This strategic move aims to solidify the fund’s legal standing, ensuring its permanence and operational efficiency. By incorporating it into the Act, the fund would gain legal protection, shielding it from political or budgetary fluctuations. This would guarantee a consistent and reliable source of funding specifically dedicated to implementing the provisions of the Public Health Act, further enhancing the country’s health security. This legal backing would provide stability and ensure the fund’s long-term viability, ultimately contributing to a more robust and sustainable health emergency response system.
Government officials have expressed support for this initiative, recognizing the critical need for structured financing for public health emergencies. Rex Manu Yeboah, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, acknowledges the importance of a legal framework to regulate financial allocations for health emergencies. He views the decrease in USAID funding as a catalyst for re-evaluating domestic resource mobilization strategies. This perspective highlights the understanding that consistent and predictable funding is crucial for effective emergency preparedness and response. A legal framework would ensure accountability and transparency in the management of these funds, further strengthening public trust and ensuring responsible utilization of resources.
Yeboah proposes dedicating a fixed percentage of the District Assemblies Common Fund to public health emergencies, enshrining it in law to ensure consistent funding at the assembly level. This legally mandated budgetary allocation would provide a predictable and sustainable funding stream for local assemblies, enhancing their capacity to respond to health crises effectively. By establishing a legal obligation, the government ensures that funds are consistently allocated for this critical purpose, regardless of other budgetary pressures. This commitment demonstrates a proactive approach to health security, recognizing the importance of investing in preparedness to mitigate the impact of future health emergencies. The combination of national and local funds, supported by a robust legal framework, will create a comprehensive and sustainable system for financing public health emergencies in Ghana.
