Ibukun Oguntola (Lead writer)
Family planning (FP) is a highly cost-effective investment that boosts global health and empowers women. By meeting the unmet needs for FP among women, there is a significant decrease in unplanned pregnancies and abortions. As a result, this contributes to a reduction in maternal and child mortality rates and curtailing the transmission of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). These health outcomes collectively contribute to an overall improvement in the health and well-being of women, children, and families.
Over the past decade, the federal and state governments of Nigeria have budgeted significant resources to develop and implement strategies to create an effective healthcare delivery system, as evidenced by an increase in federal health budget allocations from 434 billion naira in 2018 to 1.02 trillion naira in 2021. However, this is still grossly insufficient as the allocation is contrary to the Abuja Declaration which called for the allocation of a minimum of 15% of the national budget to health. This inadequate funding is aggravated by weak governance, accountability, and policy implementation combined with limited data available for planning and decision-making.
In the range of health financing options, just like other health areas, there are existing challenges for FP financing, and this has critical implications for maternal outcomes in Nigeria.
Funding challenges are compounded because the benefits of investments in FP and development outcomes are often poorly understood by high-level stakeholders, even though it is cross cutting in the health and social development pillars within the National Strategic Development Plan.
To encourage and regularise domestic financing effectively, innovative methods are required, in addition to ensuring that donor funds are efficiently used. It is crucial for governments and donors to work together, ensuring that the available resources are strategically coordinated towards the most impactful strategies and directed at the most economically disadvantaged populations, maximising the effectiveness of investments. Existing funding gaps highlight the need to diversify funding sources beyond donors, particularly establishing long-term private sector involvement in FP financing.
