Public Health Expenditure Oversight and Financial Strategies for Poverty Reduction in Nigeria

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

This study examined the influence of public health expenditure oversight and financial strategies in public health on poverty reduction in Nigeria, focusing on two dimensions of poverty reduction: reduction in poverty incidence and improved access to healthcare services. The study was motivated by the persistent high poverty rates in Nigeria despite significant public health spending, suggesting that inefficiencies in oversight and financial management may limit the effectiveness of health interventions. A quantitative research design was employed, with 185 respondents drawn from government health agencies, accounting/auditing units, and health program management. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and supplemented with secondary data from the National Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Finance. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 26. Findings revealed that both public health expenditure oversight and financial strategies significantly and positively influence poverty reduction outcomes in Nigeria. Public health expenditure oversight (Beta = 0.38, p < 0.001) ensures that allocated funds are properly utilized and reach intended beneficiaries, while financial strategies (Beta = 0.41, p < 0.001) enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. The study concludes that strengthening oversight mechanisms and implementing strategic financial management in public health are crucial for reducing poverty and improving healthcare access in Nigeria. Recommendations include enhancing auditing and monitoring, adopting performance-based budgeting, and integrating oversight with financial strategies to maximize the socio-economic impact of public health expenditure.