The paper analyzes the financial resources for reproductive and child health related interventions
in Tanzania. It shows that the government and its partners are committed to improve
reproductive and child health services as articulated in various government policies and
strategies. However, despite these commitments, there is considerable financing gap. Estimates
show that only 23% of the national budget was allocated to reproductive health interventions in
2009/10 which is short of what is stipulated in the health sector strategic plan III (34%). Shortfall
of resources puts households at risk of financial catastrophe as portrayed by out of pocket
payment for accessing reproductive health services (47% in 2009/10). Inadequate resources to
address supply side factors of the health system coupled with socio-economic conditions of
households have resulted to poor maternal health outcomes as portrayed by high maternal
mortality ratio (454 deaths per 100,000 live births) and a significant proportion of rural
households which do not have access to assisted birth (60%). The paper argues for considerable
additional funding and tapping innovative approaches needed to achieve universal coverage of
the full package of interventions.