Kano State Leads Nigeria in Health Security and Accountability, NHED Commends Progress —- As NHED Urges Media to Track Health Financing for Transparency and Epidemic Preparedness
The Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) has lauded Kano State for becoming the first in Nigeria to adopt and domesticate a Health Security and Accountability Framework, ensuring emergency funds are available to combat epidemic outbreaks.
During a media briefing in Kano, NHED emphasized the critical role of journalists in tracking health financing to enhance transparency and accountability. Dr. Jerome Mafeni, NHED’s Project Technical Adviser and Director, highlighted the state’s milestone in finalizing the Health Security Accountability Framework (HSFAF), which strengthens preparedness for outbreaks such as meningitis and cholera.
“Kano has set a precedent by not only adopting this framework but also passing the Public Health Security Bill and establishing agencies to manage epidemics,” said Dr. Mafeni. “This ensures swift response to save lives and prevent financial bottlenecks during crises.”
NHED’s Communication Lead, Tessy Nongo Maina, noted that while policy adoption is crucial, sustained media scrutiny is vital for effective implementation. “Journalists must go beyond event reporting—track funds, ask tough questions, and spotlight gaps to keep health security on the public agenda,” she stated.
Salisu Yusuf of the Kano State Civil Society Forum urged the government to publish quarterly performance reports, enabling citizens to monitor public fund utilization.
NHED calls for continued media collaboration to ensure accountability and resilience against health threats. “Health security is a public good,” Maina stressed. “Together, we can build a system that protects lives before emergencies strike.”
