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Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East Constituency (Kasoa), has risen on the floor of Parliament of Ghana on behalf of the people of her constituency—particularly mothers and children—to draw urgent attention to a major public health milestone that could transform the future of the nation.
Addressing the House, the MP noted that Ghana is at the forefront of one of the most significant public health achievements of the 21st century: the remarkable reduction in child mortality through the introduction of new malaria vaccines. According to her, this breakthrough is something many Ghanaians once believed they might never witness.
She explained that in countries such as Ghana, the introduction of malaria vaccines has contributed significantly to reducing deaths among children under five. Official statistics show that child deaths linked to malaria dropped by nearly 86 percent from 2018 to two years ago, demonstrating the effectiveness of preventive immunization in fighting one of Africa’s most persistent diseases.
The MP emphasized that these figures represent more than statistics—they represent lives saved. She highlighted the joy of children now able to attend school, the relief of parents who no longer live in fear of losing their young ones, and the economic benefits for families spared the pain and cost of child loss.
However, she warned that these gains could be threatened as international financial support for global health programs begins to decline. She expressed concern that funding cuts from major donors—particularly contributions to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance—could place thousands of children under five and pregnant women in countries like Ghana at risk if vaccination programs are not sustained.
In response to this challenge, the MP called for two key actions. First, she urged the government to increase domestic funding for malaria vaccination programs to reduce reliance on external donors. Second, she stressed the need to strengthen vaccine logistics and cold-chain systems, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities, to ensure that every child has access to life-saving immunization.
She concluded by praising Ghanaian mothers who faithfully take their children to health facilities, as well as the dedication of nurses, health workers, and global health partners. She urged Parliament not to become complacent but to protect the gains made in the fight against malaria.
According to her, Parliament must act decisively to ensure that the progress achieved is sustained, so that Ghana’s children can grow up healthier and safer.“I thank you, Mr. Speaker. God bless Ghana,” she concluded.