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This analysis estimates the investments needed for universal access to reproductive health services in Ebonyi State.

April 19, 2026Open Access

Financing reproductive health in Ebonyi State, Nigeria: An investment case for equity and economic growth

AKAndrew KirimaUnited Nations Population Fund GAGifty AddicoUnited Nations Population Fund KKKoessan KuawuUnited Nations Population Fund

Key Points

This analysis estimates the investments needed for universal access to reproductive health services in Ebonyi State.
Conducted situation and budget analyses to assess resource allocation.
Performed costing and cost-benefit analyses of reproductive health services.
Analyzed fiscal space to determine financial feasibility for investments.
Health sector allocations averaged less than 8% of the total budget, with only 1.4% for reproductive health.
An investment of ₦20 billion is needed to provide full-scale services by 2030.
Projected to avert 130,000 unintended pregnancies and prevent 1,300 maternal deaths, yielding ₦1,624 billion in economic benefits, with a 19:1 benefit-cost ratio.

Abstract

This article presents the findings from the Ebonyi State Reproductive Health Investment Case. Drawing on situation analysis, budget analysis, costing, cost-benefit analysis, and fiscal space analysis, the study estimates the resources required to achieve universal access to reproductive health services across the state. The results show that health sector allocations averaged less than 8% of the total state budget, with only 1.4% directed specifically to reproductive health. Achieving full-scale provision of services would require ₦20 billion (USD 13.3 million) by 2030. This investment is projected to avert 130,000 unintended pregnancies and prevent 1,300 maternal deaths, translating into ₦1,624 billion (USD 1.1 billion) in social and economic benefits-a benefit-cost ratio of 19:1. Equity analyses reveal particularly strong gains for rural and low-income households. Overall, increasing investment in reproductive health is a highly cost-effective and equitable strategy for improving health outcomes and advancing sustainable development in Ebonyi State.

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