Bridging Research and Policy: Symposium Explores Sustainable Financing for Primary Health Care in Ghana

June 20, 2026 HFFG

On 19 June 2026, the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), through the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, in collaboration with Hope for Future Generations (HFFG) and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), hosted an Academic Symposium on Sustainable Financing for Primary Health Care in Ghana under the theme: “Advancing Sustainable Financing for Primary Health Care in Ghana: From Academic Research to Policymaking.”

The symposium brought together researchers, public health experts, government representatives, development partners, civil society organisations, students and the media to explore evidence-based solutions for strengthening domestic resource mobilisation for primary health care (PHC) and immunisation financing in Ghana.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of UHAS, underscored the important role academic institutions play in generating evidence that can inform policy and drive meaningful reforms in health financing.

Speakers and panelists stressed that universities and research institutions possess the expertise and credibility needed to produce actionable evidence, evaluate financing models and support policymakers in identifying sustainable pathways for funding primary healthcare.

Key Discussions

The symposium featured presentations and panel discussions centred on three thematic areas:

1. Innovative Financing Mechanisms for Primary Health Care Service Delivery

Participants examined domestic financing options that can strengthen health commodity security and ensure sustainable implementation of essential health services. Discussions focused on translating financing commitments into effective service delivery and improving accountability in resource allocation.

2. Immunisation Financing and Health Security

Experts explored Ghana’s transition towards full domestic financing of immunisation programmes, lessons from countries that have successfully transitioned from Gavi support, and strategies for sustaining immunisation gains while strengthening national health security.

3. Financing Universal Health Coverage: Lessons from Other Contexts

Presenters shared examples of successful health financing reforms from other countries and examined how Ghana can adapt these experiences to improve equity, financial protection and progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Looking Ahead

One of the key outcomes of the symposium is the development of a communiqué capturing the major recommendations and policy priorities emerging from the discussions. The communiqué is expected to contribute to ongoing national conversations on domestic resource mobilisation and sustainable financing for primary health care in Ghana.

As Ghana prepares for a future with reduced external funding, the symposium reaffirmed the critical importance of leveraging research, innovation and multi-sectoral collaboration to secure sustainable financing for primary health care.

ICYMI

Missed the event or would like to revisit the discussions?

Watch the full symposium on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4OaFjTZ3pE