News
Global Health leaders convene in Nairobi to boost maternal, newborn health financing
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Global health leaders, policymakers, and development partners are set to convene in Nairobi, Kenya, for a high-level dialogue aimed at advancing policy reforms and financing for maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) across Africa.
KANO FOCUS reports that the meeting, scheduled as a side event of the International Maternal Newborn Health Conference 2026 (IMNHC 2026), will take place on March 24 at the EDGE Convention Centre.
The dialogue, themed “Shaping the Future of MNCH Policy and Health Financing for Healthier Mothers and Newborns,” is being convened by the SMART Advocacy for Strategic Action Alliance (SASA) in collaboration with several partners, including SAMASHA Medical Foundation, Health NGOs Network (HENNET), Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK), International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), National Council for Population and Development Kenya (NCPD), Jhpiego Kenya, Pathfinder International Nigeria, and Partners in Population and Development Africa Regional Office (PPD ARO).
According to organisers, the session will bring together legislators, civil society actors, donors, researchers, and media practitioners to explore practical pathways for accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on maternal and newborn survival.
The IMNHC serves as a global platform for reviewing progress, sharing evidence-based solutions, and strengthening partnerships to improve maternal and child health outcomes. However, stakeholders note that progress remains uneven due to financing gaps, weak accountability systems, and competing development priorities.
Speakers at the event are expected to focus on strategies for sustaining and scaling investments in maternal and newborn health, particularly as countries face increasing financial constraints.
Sally Njiri, Regional Project Director of the SASA Project, said rising financing pressures across the region require a rethinking of advocacy approaches to ensure resources are used more strategically.
The dialogue will highlight country-led experiences and financing priorities from Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ethiopia, with discussions focusing on domestic resource mobilisation, budget accountability, and policy reforms.
Patrick Mugirwa of PPD ARO noted that the advocacy ecosystem for family planning and MNCH remains fragile, citing frequent government changes, competing priorities, and dwindling resources as major challenges.
Also speaking, Dr. Amina Dorayi of Pathfinder International stressed the need for stronger accountability systems and sustained political will to ensure that funding translates into quality healthcare services for women and children.
Organisers said the event is expected to generate actionable policy and financing recommendations to guide future advocacy efforts, inform donor investments, and strengthen alignment with IMNHC 2026 priorities.
They added that the dialogue aims to foster collaboration across sectors and countries, ensuring that policy reforms, financing commitments, and advocacy initiatives lead to tangible improvements in maternal and newborn health outcomes across Africa.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Kwankwaso commends IGP over probe into Dadiyata’s disappearance
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
