The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has raised alarms over the potential healthcare crisis in the Northern, North East, and Savannah regions following the suspension of supply chain support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The abrupt halt comes as a result of an executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump, enforcing a global freeze on U.S. foreign aid.
The suspension has led to a directive for SkyNet Express, the logistics company responsible for transporting medical supplies, to cease operations for 90 days. This decision is expected to cause significant disruptions in the availability of essential medicines and health commodities, which are distributed through the Northern Regional Medical Stores.
In a letter to the Director General of GHS, Dr. Abdulai Abukari, the Regional Director of Health Service for the Northern Region, detailed the far-reaching consequences of the suspension:
The halt in distribution services is likely to result in stockouts of critical medicines, vaccines, and health supplies, severely affecting healthcare delivery in the impacted regions.
The withdrawal of technical assistance from Chemonics, a key implementing partner, will disrupt inventory tracking and reporting systems, complicating efforts to ensure a steady supply of medical commodities.
USAID-funded health programs, including maternal and child health, malaria prevention, family planning, and HIV/AIDS services, are at risk of severe shortages, jeopardizing patient care and public health initiatives.
In response to the crisis, the Regional Health Management Team (RHMT) convened an emergency meeting with District Health Management Teams (DHMTs) and Budget Management Centre (BMC) heads to evaluate the impact and identify potential solutions. Following discussions, it was agreed that SkyNet Express, despite its halted funding from USAID, could temporarily maintain scheduled distributions while alternative funding sources and long-term strategies for 2025 are explored.
Dr. Abukari has called for urgent intervention from stakeholders and development partners to address the looming supply chain gaps. He stressed the need for immediate contingency measures, including securing alternative funding and exploring new distribution mechanisms to sustain critical health services in the affected regions.
The Ghana Health Service continues to engage with partners to mitigate the impact and ensure the continuity of essential healthcare services.
Source:DailyGuideNetwork
