A major health crisis is unfolding in Ghana’s northern regions following the suspension of USAID support for supply chain activities, disrupting the distribution of essential medicines and health commodities.
The Ghana Health Service’s (GHS) Northern Regional Directorate has formally notified authorities of the suspension, which affects the Last Mile Distribution (LMD) of medical supplies facilitated by SkyNet Express. The disruption follows a U.S. Executive Order freezing foreign aid, issued by President Donald Trump, leading to an immediate halt in USAID-funded logistical operations.
Health officials warn that this suspension will severely impact healthcare delivery in the Northern, North East, and Savannah Regions, where medical supplies are heavily reliant on the Northern Regional Medical Stores.
Key Areas of Concern
The halt in supply chain support is expected to cause:
1. Stockouts of Essential Medicines – Vaccines, antimalarials, maternal health supplies, and HIV/AIDS medications could become scarce, directly affecting patient care.
2. Weakening of Supply Chain Coordination – The withdrawal of technical assistance in procurement and logistics is expected to make inventory tracking and distribution more difficult.
3. Disruptions to Public Health Programs – Key health interventions, including malaria prevention, maternal and child health programs, and HIV/AIDS services, are likely to suffer from shortages, affecting vulnerable populations.
Emergency Measures Underway
In response, the Regional Health Management Team (RHMT) held an emergency meeting with district health officials and the Budget Management Centre to assess the situation and implement temporary solutions. SkyNet Express, previously engaged by USAID, will continue operations in the interim to prevent an immediate health crisis.
However, long-term solutions remain uncertain, and health officials are urging the government to intervene swiftly. They are calling for urgent guidance on alternative supply chain solutions to prevent further disruptions in healthcare delivery.
