Effect of government-community healthcare co-financing on maternal and child healthcare in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Effective maternal and child healthcare delivery requires a proper and adequate funding of the health sector. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of government-community healthcare co-financing on maternal and child healthcare services' delivery. METHODS A descriptive, cross-sectional study with an intervention component, conducted amongst 240 women from Igboukwu (intervention area), and Ekwuluobia (control area), of Anambra State of Nigeria. RESULTS The biosocial characteristics of the respondents were essentially similar. Better utilization of health services occurred in the intervention area post-intervention. Quality of service from intervention clients' perspective showed significant improvement post-intervention. Distance less than five km, transportation cost less than N40, and maternal education above secondary level impacted positively on utilization of maternal and child health services. Acceptability of the scheme was better for the intervention facility evident from the higher number of respondents showing "willingness to join", and "willingness to pay". CONCLUSION Health sector funding partnership, positively impacts on maternal and child health services. Government's total commitment, backed with legislation, and community mobilization, will sustain the scheme.