Nigeria and Mozambique Strengthen Health Systems Against Funding Cuts

Nigeria and Mozambique are demonstrating how health systems can withstand funding cuts by reorganizing existing resources under government control, integrating services, and reducing duplication.

This approach moves away from donor-funded, disease-specific projects towards a government-led architecture. Folake Oni, Project Director for Nigeria at Acasus, stated that Nigeria's strategy involves consolidating fragmented projects into a single government-owned structure and increasing domestic financing for primary healthcare. This shift began approximately three years ago with the launch of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and a compact signed by Nigeria's president with states, donors, and partners.

The experience in Nigeria is becoming a reference for countries facing less certain global donor funding. The results suggest that health systems designed around government priorities are better equipped to absorb financial shocks. Nigeria is also working to strengthen domestic financing and institutional capacity for immunization beyond 2030, with Gavi providing US$500 million in support over the next five years.