Sustainable Health Funding in Northeast Nigeria's HeRoN Programme

The article addresses the necessity of sustainable development funding, particularly in healthcare, as demonstrated by the HeRoN health systems strengthening programme in Northeast Nigeria. This programme was co-designed and implemented by the International Rescue Committee in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, which have faced significant challenges due to conflict and institutional disruption.

Initially funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and later by USAID, the programme aimed to address immediate health needs while strengthening local institutions for future service provision. A key achievement was the integration of Community Health Influencers, Promoters and Services (CHIPS) into the government system, ensuring that community health workers would continue to function beyond the project's funding period.

This approach contrasts with typical funding models that may lead to the disappearance of services once financial support ends, emphasizing the importance of building resilient public systems.