Estimating the Cost of Primary Health Care Services in Nigeria: Historical Analysis of Government Budget and Expenditures on PHC in Kaduna State

Timeline: February 2020 – May 2020 | Status: Completed

Kaduna State, Nigeria

Project Overview

Sustainable financing is fundamental to delivering quality primary healthcare services. To strengthen evidence-based health financing and improve resource allocation, the Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation (HSDF), with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, implemented the Estimating the Cost of Primary Health Care Services in Nigeria project between February and May 2020.

The project conducted a historical analysis of government budgets and expenditures on primary healthcare in Kaduna State to better understand the true cost of delivering PHC services and identify opportunities for more efficient resource allocation. By generating robust financial evidence, the project aimed to support government decision-makers in strengthening planning, budgeting, and investment in primary healthcare.

The findings provided valuable insights into historical financing trends and expenditure patterns, contributing to ongoing efforts to improve the sustainability, efficiency, and effectiveness of primary healthcare financing in Kaduna State.

Achieving Universal Health Coverage requires adequate and efficient financing of primary healthcare services. However, limited evidence on the actual costs of delivering PHC services and historical spending patterns can make it difficult for governments to plan effectively, prioritise investments, and ensure that available resources are used efficiently.

There was a need for comprehensive financial analysis to support evidence-informed budgeting and strengthen the financial sustainability of primary healthcare systems.

HSDF worked with relevant government stakeholders to analyse historical government budgets and expenditures related to primary healthcare in Kaduna State. The project focused on: