ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – The World Bank has committed $40 million in performance-based funding to help strengthen financial protection for impoverished and vulnerable groups in Nigeria, as part of a newly launched national health initiative.
This funding forms part of a broader $500 million support package from the International Development Association (IDA), approved on 26th September 2024. The programme also includes an additional $70.01 million grant from the Global Financing Facility (GFF).
The initiative, known as the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality – Health Programme-for-Results (HOPE-Health-PforR), is designed to run until 30th June 2029.
Its core aim is to improve equitable access to essential healthcare while enhancing the resilience of Nigeria’s health system.
The $40 million allocation is tied to the programme’s third Disbursement-Linked Indicator (DLI 3), titled “Increased Financial Protection for the Poor and Vulnerable.”
Once disbursed, the government is expected to allocate the funds to participating states, where they will be used to expand health insurance coverage and introduce complementary support systems for the most disadvantaged populations.
According to World Bank documentation, the disbursement process is both time-sensitive and strictly conditional, ensuring that progress remains aligned with the implementation timeline and agreed performance benchmarks.
