Advocacy for Domestic Resource Mobilization for Health

Public health success requires appropriate budgets that reflect countries’ own political priorities, such as funding a national child drowning prevention initiative, securing high-quality resources for maternal and reproductive health services or planning for a future infectious disease outbreak.

International donor funding may support the development and implementation of programs, but country-led budgets are critical and the foundation of sustainable, equitable and effective country-owned health systems once donor funding comes to an end. And unlike donor funding, domestic resources mobilization promotes funding that is predictable, reliable, and sustainable, building health system resilience in the medium and long-term.

But securing budgets is just the first step. Advocacy is essential for accountability, implementation and sustainability—to mobilize resources to make sure money gets where it is needed, and increases can be maintained over time. The Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) works with partners to execute effective, multi-stakeholder advocacy that builds the political will, constituency and accountability for effective public health budgets mobilization and utilization.

GHAI’s Prevent Epidemic program is one example of advocacy for domestic resource mobilization in Africa. We draw on our extensive experience conducting health-focused advocacy campaigns around the world and work with local partners to engage political decision-makers about the need to prioritize epidemic preparedness; build government, civil society and media capacity to advocate for preparedness funding; demonstrate demand for investments in preparedness in media and public discourse and develop political strategies to remove bottlenecks affecting the allocation and spending of preparedness funds. This has resulted in significant investments by local governments. Funding for the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control more than doubled in the first three years (to US$9.3 million) and new funding to government offices with health security functions was secured.

GHAI, in partnership with the People's Republic of Bangladesh and Republic of Maldives, will be discussing our approach to advocacy for domestic resource mobilization and best practices in advocacy for public health budgets at the World Health Assembly on May 23. Please join us for this in-person event by registering here.