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AHBN introduces health security accountability framework, scorecard to improve preparedness, transparency
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The African Health Budget Network (AHBN), has introduced a Health Security Accountability Framework and Scorecard to improve preparedness and transparency amidst COVID-19 and ongoing crises like cholera, Mpox, and Lassa fever.
KANO FOCUS reports that the organisation said that In the wake of these health crises, there is an urgent need to enhance transparency and readiness across the continent.
Dr Aminu Magashi, Coordinator, AHBN, said this at the end of a three-day technical peer review retreat on strengthening accountability of health security finances in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Senegal, on Saturday in Abuja.
Magashi said that the framework, which was designed to track progress on health security efforts, would help governments, development partners, and civil society Organisations (CSOs) better monitor financial and non-financial commitments.
He said that by fostering greater accountability, the scorecard aimed to ensure that health security was prioritised at both national and regional levels.
“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant weaknesses in Africa’s health security, with many countries relying heavily on international donors to respond to the crisis,” said.
According to him, a lack of preparedness and poor coordination across African nations resulted in severe delays in detecting and responding to the pandemic.
He said that this new accountability framework seeks to address those gaps, urging African countries to invest more in Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery (PPRR).
“The framework underscores the need for local production of vaccines, improved infection prevention control (IPC) measures, and bolstering research in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR),” he said.
Dr Opeyemi Adeosun, Programme Manager of Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria, said that one of the key challenges highlighted by the framework was the inadequate budget allocation to health security.
“An analysis by the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL) found that many countries, including Nigeria, allocated little or no funding to health security efforts in their national budgets.
“The AHBN’s new scorecard aims to reverse this trend by encouraging increased budgetary commitments and prudent spending,” he said.
In addition, he said that the framework advocates for greater involvement of CSOs in health security planning and implementation.
“CSOs play a vital role in community outreach and advocacy, yet they are often excluded from crucial decision-making processes, including the Joint External Evaluation (JEE), a WHO tool used to assess national health security capacities.
“Civil society organizations are closer to the grassroots and can help ensure accountability, particularly in underserved communities where government oversight may be limited.
“Their involvement is critical to the success of this framework,” he said.
He said that the Health Security Scorecard would provide a transparent way to measure progress on key indicators such as financing, governance, vaccine production, and biosafety.
“It will also track the relationship between public health authorities and security forces, ensuring a coordinated approach to tackling health emergencies.
“The scorecard will be updated quarterly, with data presented to key stakeholders, including government agencies, legislative bodies, and the media.
“This approach is expected to promote collaboration and ensure that commitments made by governments and development partners are honoured,” he said.
Hon. Mohammed Usman, Founder of the Lafiya Wealth Initiative, said that the Africa CDC has been instrumental in strengthening the capacity of African nations to respond to health crises.
“Through the creation of Technical Working Groups (TWGs), the CDC has enhanced the ability of public health institutions to act quickly in the face of disease outbreaks.
“However, the AHBN framework calls for greater participation of CSOs in these groups to ensure that all stakeholders have a voice in shaping health security policies,” he stressed.
As African countries continue to face threats from diseases like Ebola, cholera, and Mpox, Ms Ndi Nancy Saiboh,
Executive Director Actions for Development and Empowerment, Cameroon, agreed that a robust accountability system was essential to preventing future pandemics.
“It’s not just about responding to crises when they happen; it’s about being prepared and having a transparent system in place to track progress,” Saiboh said.
She said that the introduction of the African Regional Accountability Framework and Scorecard marks a significant step toward building stronger, more resilient health systems across the continent.
She said that with greater collaboration between governments, CSOs, the media and international partners, African nations can improve their preparedness for future health emergencies while ensuring that health security remains a top priority.
The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Kano State Chapter, heartily congratulates Yusuf Ibrahim Sharada on his well-deserved elevation from Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT to Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Economy.
This strategic appointment reflects the Kano State Government’s commitment to leveraging digital innovation to drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance public service delivery across the state.
In his new role, Sharada will lead key aspects of the state’s digital transformation agenda, including policy formulation, digital infrastructure development, innovation ecosystems, and ICT-driven governance frameworks.
His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, commended Hon. Sharada for his unwavering dedication and the remarkable impact of his service in his previous capacity.
“Ibrahim Yusuf Sharada has demonstrated exceptional vision, leadership, and technical expertise in advancing the state’s digital initiatives. His elevation is both a recognition of his performance and a strategic investment in the future of Kano’s digital economy,” the Governor stated.
Notably, Hon. Sharada has also been a committed and impactful member of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS). Over the years, he has actively contributed to various NCS programmes, policy dialogues, and professional development initiatives within the Kano Chapter and beyond. His engagement has consistently reflected a passion for using technology as a tool for inclusive development, youth empowerment, and public sector innovation.
Hon. Sharada brings with him a wealth of experience in technology policy, digital capacity-building, and youth empowerment. Under his leadership, the state is expected to deepen collaboration with key technology stakeholders, expand access to digital skills development, and implement innovative solutions that will enhance economic resilience and inclusion.
In his remarks, Hon. Sharada expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for the confidence reposed in him.
“I am deeply honoured by this opportunity to serve at a higher capacity. Together, we will continue building a digitally inclusive Kano where innovation fuels prosperity for all,” he said.
This elevation marks a significant step forward in Kano’s journey toward becoming a leading hub of digital excellence in Northern Nigeria.
The Adolescent Girls Initiative
for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, Kano, Sunday commenced the assessment of 100 girls with cognitive and development disabilities in Government Grls Secondary School Zawaciki, Kumbotso local gernment area.
The move was to appropriately place the students identified into the pilot 35 inclusive education schools under AGILE Project.
Ibrahim said the Social Support Officer (SSO) in the AGILE Project Kano Malam Yakubu Muhammad, while addressing the students and their teachers, said the assessment was to provide school material support including uniforms, notebooks, stationery, backpacks, and any specialized learning aids tailored to individual needs.
He said at the end of the assessment AGILE Project will develop Individualized Support Plans (ISPs) outlining necessary accommodations, assistive devices and instructional strategies.
Also speaking the lead consultant Dr Samira Ali said they have so far identified students with cognitive and physical disabilities among the students assessed.
Some of the disabilities identified according to her include cerebral palsy, austism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, behavior maladjustment and speech defect.
Also commenting the principal of Government Girls Secondary School Panshekara who doubles as All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) Hauwa Hussain commended AGILE for this intervention which she said will go a long way in ensuring inclusive education.
The assessment was conducted under Environmental and Social Safeguard Unit of AGILE Project, Kano.
The AGILE Project is a World Bank-assisted initiative implemented through Federal and State Ministries of Education, aimed at improving secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls in Nigeria.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a comprehensive package of developmental projects and interventions valued at over ₦69 billion, targeting critical sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, energy, and humanitarian support.
KANO FOCUS reports that this was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday.
During its 29th meeting held on Wednesday, July 9th 2025, the Council granted landmark approvals aimed at improving service delivery and raising the living standard of citizens.
Among the biggest investments is the expansion of Katsina Road, covering the stretch from Baban Gwari Roundabout to Mil Tara, which includes the construction of five reinforced concrete pedestrian bridges at a cost of ₦24.7 billion.
Additionally, the Council approved the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of RMK Flyover, IBB Road, Kofar Mazugal Junction, and Katsina Road with a budget of ₦7.8 billion, and the construction of 10 new concrete pedestrian bridges at strategic locations, valued at ₦3.8 billion.
In the education sector, approvals include the renovation of 13 closed boarding schools earlier shut down by the previous administration at ₦3 billion.
The Council also approved general renovation of dilapidated structures in Government Technical College Dambatta, Government Technical College Ungogo, Government Girls Secondary School Balan Tsanyawa, and Government Secondary School Guringawa, totaling over ₦1.2 billion.
Other approvals include the establishment of a new primary school in Gishiri-Wuya community, Warawa LGA, at ₦190 million, renovation of the French and Chinese Bilingual Colleges in Kwankwaso at ₦158 million and ₦349 million, respectively, the conduct of 2025 internal examinations (BECE/BEICE & SSQE/SAISQE) at ₦300 million, and the settlement of outstanding boarding school feeding liabilities for three weeks at ₦718 million.
The health sector interventions approved by the Council include counterpart funding of ₦180 million for the Free Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health programme, ₦240 million for the procurement of a brand-new Toyota Coaster bus for the School of Health Technology, Bebeji, ₦107 million for operational needs of the Kano Ultra-Modern Specialist Hospital (KUSH), and ₦344 million as counterpart funding for routine immunization for the second quarter of 2025.
The Governor, during the session, reiterated his administration’s resolve to turn Kano into a hub of modern infrastructure, inclusive development, and educational excellence.
Computer Society congratulates Sharada on his elevation to Special Adviser on Digital Economy
AGILE launches assessment for 100 girls with dissabilities in Kano
Kano Govt approves over ₦69b on transform infrastructure, education
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