Government Health Expenditure and Child Healthcare Delivery in Benue State: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract

The study examined the effect of government expenditure on Child health care delivery in Benue State, Nigeria. The study addressed therefore the effect of government expenditure on child health care delivery despite global interventions in addressing the health care delivery challenges. The study relied on survey research design. From the population of 4,031, the sample size of 400 was determined, this study focuses on the 146 respondents from child healthcare units. Descriptive statistics using cross tabulations and chi- square test were used as the method of analysis. The result findings revealed that capital and recurrent government expenditure has influence on child healthcare delivery in the various facilities in Benue state. Based on the findings the study also revealed low immunization completion rates and inadequate government-paid immunization services. In addressing the challenges on childcare delivery, Policy recommendations should focus on strengthening primary and secondary healthcare services, improving immunization programs, and enhancing government support for health care financing in expanding infrastructure and maintaining quality standards as these will ensure sustained improvement in childcare delivery.