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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.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dr Goni Faruk Umar has urged Muslims to embrace Taqwa in their daily lives, describing it as a foundation of Islam and a key to righteous conduct and success in this world and the hereafter.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Islamic scholar made the call while delivering a Juma’a sermon at the New Juma’a Mosque, Rumfa College, Kano.
In the sermon, Dr Goni Faruk Umar explained the meaning of Taqwa using classical Islamic scholarship, including an account involving Umar ibn al-Khattab and the companion Ubayy ibn Ka’b to illustrate the concept.
According to the account cited in the sermon, Sayyadina Ubayy once asked Khalifa Umar bin Khattab whether he had ever walked along a thorny path. When Khalifa Umar bin Khattab answered in the affirmative, Sayyadina Ubayy asked how he navigated it. Khalifa Umar bin Khattab replied that he gathered his clothes and proceeded cautiously to avoid being pricked.
Sayyadina Ubayy then explained that this was the essence of Taqwa: being constantly mindful of one’s actions and carefully avoiding what displeases Allah.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar said Taqwa should not be limited to acts of worship but should also guide Muslims’ conduct in contemporary society, particularly in their use of digital platforms and social media, control of the tongue, and relationships within the family.
He urged worshippers to exercise restraint in their speech, act responsibly online and uphold their obligations to family members in accordance with Islamic teachings.
The cleric also highlighted the spiritual and worldly benefits of Taqwa, including relief from hardship, ease in personal affairs, forgiveness of sins and increased rewards in the hereafter.
Quoting verses from the Qur’an, he cited Allah’s promise in Surah At-Talaq, verses 2 and 3, that whoever fears Him will be granted a way out of difficulties and provided for from sources they could not have anticipated.
He also referred to Qur’an 65:4–5, which promises ease in affairs, the removal of sins and the multiplication of rewards for those who maintain Taqwa.
The scholar reminded Muslims that worldly life is temporary and that the hereafter is their permanent destination. He therefore urged them to regard Taqwa as the best provision for the journey beyond this life.
Citing Qur’an 2:197, he emphasised that the best provision for the hereafter is Taqwa, urging believers to remain conscious of their responsibilities to Allah.
The sermon also featured prayers and salutations upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family and companions, in accordance with the Qur’anic instruction in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 56.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar concluded by encouraging Muslims to remain steadfast in faith, follow the guidance of the Prophet and make righteousness a guiding principle in their daily lives.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
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