If we can afford bombers, we can afford vaccines – Mahama rallies world leaders

President John Dramani Mahama has called on the international community to increase support for global immunisation efforts, arguing that the resources needed to save the lives of millions of children are well within the world’s financial reach.

Speaking at the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity through Immunisation, President Mahama highlighted the disparity between military spending and health investment.

He noted that a single B2 Spirit bomber, recently deployed in strikes on Iran, costs approximately USD2.13 billion.

“What Gavi is asking for equals the price of just four of those aircraft,” he said, referring to the global vaccine alliance’s current funding appeal.

According to President Mahama, “If the world can afford that, then surely we can afford to save 500 million children.”

He underscored the urgency of strengthening immunisation systems, especially in lower-income countries, warning that preventable diseases continue to threaten child survival and public health globally.

The president stressed that investing in vaccines is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic pathway to long-term economic prosperity and global stability.

The summit was held under the theme: ‘Health and Prosperity through Immunisation, bringing together global health leaders, donor agencies, and government representatives.

The event aims to mobilise renewed political and financial commitments to Gavi’s mission of increasing vaccine access and strengthening health systems across the developing world.