IBRD Trust Funds - World Bank

Published purpose

This project aims to fill critical financing gaps to improve reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) in high-burden countries by accelerating investments in health systems. The Health Systems Bond is issued by the World Bank and available for purchase by private investors. Capital generated from the proceeds is channeled as loans to countries eligible for funding from the Global Financing Facility (GFF) in support of Every Woman Every Child. DFATD’s contribution helps lower the borrowing costs for GFF countries who wish to access the funds raised by the bonds in the form of performance-based financing. Project activities include: (1) training community health workers; and (2) improving health data systems; and (3) increasing investments in health by improving outreach to private sector. Strengthening health systems is an important part of Canada’s efforts to improve RMNCH as strong systems are central to the delivery of quality essential services for women and children.