Progressivity of Government Spending on Primary Health Care Evidence from Rural Communities of Edo State, Nigeria

This study aimed at analyzing the progressivity of government spending on health in rural areas of Edo State. The study made use of primary and secondary data. The primary data were obtained from 360 respondents in rural areas of Edo state through the use of well structured questionnaire and interview schedule. The relevant data were analyzed using Kakwani Progressivity Index. The Progressivity analysis reveals that the concentration indices for BCG, Polio an d Measles were negative which implied that the spending on them was progressive and pro-poor. However, the concentration indices for prenatal and postnatal health cares were positive, suggesting that the spending on prenatal and postnatal health cares was not progressive and not pro-poor. The international supports which vaccination schemes enjoyed may account for the high vaccination rate __ DQG LW¶V SUR-poorness in rural area of Edo State. However, vaccination programme should place more emphasis on Measles vaccination as the current rate of 42% for Measles is too low to achieve health target in the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. The authorities may make Measles vaccination as condition for getting further benefit from government in form of Conditional Cash Transfer. Government should mount a proper education campaign for the populace on the desirability of prenatal and post natal cares in the rural areas of the State. Building more health centers in rural communities where prenatal and postnatal health cares can be administered is also important.