Resource Type: Report
Published: August 2018

Resource Description: Achieving adequate access to health care through universal health coverage concepts had remained a predominant goal in regional settings and within countries. Hence, development partners are putting efforts in place to support state governments in Nigeria to further strengthen their health system and financing. This study presents an assessment of the fiscal space available to Kebbi State health sector. The analysis will provide decision-makers with options for informed choices. The findings will help to inform the target setting, advocacy and planning needs of the Kebbi State Ministry of Health (KBSMoH) as well as Kebbi State Health Contributory Scheme. In addition, an assessment of the fiscal capacity of Kebbi State government to implement and ensure the sustainability of health contributory scheme was conducted.

The concept of fiscal space for health defined as the budgetary room allowing a government to provide additional resources for health without jeopardizing fiscal sustainability. This study explored five pillars that could be used to generate fiscal space for health: conducive macroeconomic conditions; Reprioritization of health; Earmarking of funds; Health sector specific grants and foreign aid; and Increased efficiency of existing health expenditure. As the Kebbi state engages in the implementation of its new strategic health development plan (SHDP), fiscal space analysis was recommended to explore ways to increase resources for the sector, even in a constrained macrofiscal condition.