Evidence

Four methods have previously been used to track aid for reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH). At a meeting of donors and stakeholders in May, 2018, a single, agreed method, Muskoka2, was requested to produce accurate, predictable, transparent, and up-to-date estimates that could be used for analyses from both donor and recipient perspectives. This study describes Muskoka2 and presents estimates of levels and trends in aid for RMNCH between 2002–17, with a focus on the estimates for 2017.  The Muskoka approach incorporates eight innovations to improve precision. This study revealed that although aid for RMNCH increased in 2017, low-income and middle-income countries still experienced substantial funding gaps and threats to future funding. Maternal and newborn health received considerably less funding than reproductive health or child health, which is a persistent issue requiring urgent attention. This study can provide useful insights for program managers, policy makers and funding agencies. Click here to read the study.