The African Health Budget Network (AHBN) is set to launch a regional accountability framework for health security in the near future. Aminu Magashi Garba, the coordinator of AHBN, announced this during a technical peer review retreat aimed at strengthening accountability for health security finances in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Senegal, and Cameroon.
Garba explained that the four countries will implement a scorecard system at the national level to monitor progress and ensure accountability for results and resource allocation. “Over the next 12 months, we aim to see the scorecard enhance civil society participation, improve government responses to epidemic challenges, strengthen governance and coordination, and attract funding from donor partners to effectively meet the needs of the population,” he stated.
He highlighted the importance of accountability in health security financing due to the numerous disease outbreaks affecting many African nations. For example, Nigeria has faced outbreaks of diphtheria, Lassa fever, meningitis, and mpox, among others. “The country is constantly battling various diseases,” Garba noted, adding that these outbreaks have led to delays for African heads of state and health ministers in accessing the resources needed to tackle these critical health issues.
Garba emphasized that despite limited funding in the country, the collaboration of civil society and the media is essential for strengthening accountability. “It’s crucial to ensure that allocated funds are used effectively to enhance governance and coordination, and to prevent the spread of infections,” he said.
He also urged the governments of the respective countries to improve their planning and preparedness for responding to epidemics and pandemics. Dr. Opeyemi Adeosun, Programme Manager of the Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria, advocated for the establishment of an emergency fund for health security across Africa. He pointed out that such a fund is especially vital given the high volume of travel to and from Nigeria compared to other countries.
