By Amina Gupta
A civil society organisation has expressed concern over the reported low release of funds from Nigeria’s 2026 health sector allocation, warning of potential consequences for maternal and child health outcomes.
The Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM) stated that only N36 million had been released from the N218 billion appropriated for the health sector in the 2026 budget cycle.
The group described the development as a significant shortfall in budget implementation with implications for service delivery across primary and secondary healthcare facilities.
According to KADMAM, inadequate funding could further strain already overstretched health institutions, particularly in the areas of emergency obstetric care, skilled birth attendance, and access to essential medicines.
The organisation noted that Nigeria continues to face high maternal and under-five mortality rates, underscoring the need for consistent and transparent health financing.
The group also highlighted the importance of sustained investment in family planning services, reproductive health education, and access to modern contraceptives as critical components of maternal and child health strategies.
KADMAM called on the Federal Government to prioritise timely and accountable disbursement of health sector funds, particularly for primary healthcare and maternal services, noting that effective budget execution remains central to improving health indicators and advancing national development goals.
