State governments footdrag on counterpart funds for child health – Report

Some states dragged through this year in contributing counterpart funds to services for maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH), until now done on their behalf by the United Nations Children’s Fund, a report said. The report came out at a review meeting in Jos to access performance for 2016 and develop a work plan for […]

Some states dragged through this year in contributing counterpart funds to services for maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH), until now done on their behalf by the United Nations Children’s Fund, a report said.

The report came out at a review meeting in Jos to access performance for 2016 and develop a work plan for 2017.

The report which was presented on behalf of all states, by Hannatu Abubakar, the Coordinator of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHDA), stated, “Inadequate government counterpart funding for most Health activities – Donor driven,” among many other challenges encountered during the year under review.

Certain details in the report showed that Gombe particularly failed to make its counterpart funds commitment in 2016 for MNCH.

Although the report showed that the rest of the states paid for this particular service, amounting to N243.789 million.

Contributions from implementing partners, including health specialists in the health sector, revealed even deeper details showing that Jigawa State failed its counterpart commitment in certain areas for four straight years.

Contributions also pointed out that all governors have always expressed commitment, but have always dragged in making releases.

One contributor particularly said: “We have had meetings with governors. What you hear is great talk, great political statements. But to release becomes problem.”

The report recommended among other issues, “early and sustained advocacy to policy makers by health team for improved release of funds to support all health activities.”