President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to tak urgent steps to bridge the USAID funding gap.
His direction comes amid arising suspension of the USAID’s International funding program.
According to a statement from the presidency, President Mahama has expressed deep concern over the funding gap estimated at $156 million.
“Of particular concern to the President, is the impact of the projected $78.2 million shortfall that will adversely impact such critical interventions as malaria prevention, maternal and child health, family planning, reproductive health, nutrition and the fight against HIV/AIDS under which the availability of antiretroviral drugs, testing, and prevention programs are threatened”.
The statement from the presidency indicates that, “the president has requested that the bridging arrangements focus on priority areas to mitigate any deleterious effects occasioned by the USAID funding disruptions”.