World Health Organization Funding and the Development of Family Planning Policies in Nigeria, 2019-2023

ABSTRACT This study examines the intricate relationship between World Health Organization (WHO) funding and the development of family planning policies in Nigeria from 2019 to 2023. It specifically explores how WHO's health budget, investment in reproductive health programs, and government support for these programs intersect with policy development. Adopting the Institutional Theory framework, the study combines elements from Classical Institutionalism and Neo-Institutionalism to analyze the complex dynamics between international funding and domestic policy development. The ex-post facto research design was employed, utilizing documentary methods for data collection and content analysis for data interpretation. Key findings reveal that WHO's funding for contraceptive access has increased birth spacing awareness and improved practices in Nigeria, supported by the National Family Planning Communication Plan. The study underscores the critical need for promoting male involvement in family planning and addressing cultural, social, and religious barriers. This research provides valuable insights into the complex relationships between international funding and domestic policy development, highlighting the effectiveness of WHO's health financing mission and technical support in Nigeria. Keywords: WHO funding, Family planning policies, Nigeria, Birth spacing, Reproductive health programmes.