Financing Reproductive and Child Health Services at the Local Government Level in Tanzania

The paper analyzes the financial resources for reproductive and child health related interventions in Tanzania. It shows that the government and its partners are committed to improve reproductive and child health services as articulated in various government policies and strategies. However, despite these commitments, there is considerable financing gap. Estimates show that only 23% of the national budget was allocated to reproductive health interventions in 2009/10 which is short of what is stipulated in the health sector strategic plan III (34%). Shortfall of resources puts households at risk of financial catastrophe as portrayed by out of pocket payment for accessing reproductive health services (47% in 2009/10). Inadequate resources to address supply side factors of the health system coupled with socio-economic conditions of households have resulted to poor maternal health outcomes as portrayed by high maternal mortality ratio (454 deaths per 100,000 live births) and a significant proportion of rural households which do not have access to assisted birth (60%). The paper argues for considerable additional funding and tapping innovative approaches needed to achieve universal coverage of the full package of interventions.