AHBN kicks-off initiative to strengthen health security

The African Health Budget Network (AHBN), has started a new initiative aligned with the Community of Practitioners on Accountability and Social Action in Health (COPASAH).

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.

The initiative is aimed at boosting health security in West and Central Africa.

COPASAH consists of advocates and social accountability practitioners who are committed to ensuring health rights and health equity.

“This network aims to strengthen its members’ ability to demand accountability from their health systems, and it provides a platform for them to exchange resources, experiences, and lessons learned.”

It also facilitates the joint production and dissemination of conceptual, methodological, and real-world best practices, while promoting networking and capacity exchange among member organisations to advance accountability for health.

COPASAH strives to elevate the needs of the most at-risk individuals within the health systems, and raises awareness of how all citizens can actively participate in improving health and rights in their communities.

Magashi said that this strategic collaboration sought to address regional health challenges by enhancing transparency, strengthening community-based monitoring, and promoting equitable access to healthcare.

He said that the West and Central African Health Security Accountability Hub, spearheaded by key stakeholders, would serve as a central platform to coordinate efforts across multiple nations.

According to him, it will help kn addressing critical health issues such as infectious disease outbreaks, maternal and child health, and the impact of climate change on public health.

“The hub aims to foster collaboration between governments, civil society organisations, the media, and international agencies, ensuring a holistic approach to health security.

“By aligning with COPASAH’s approach, which emphasises community empowerment and participation, the hub will encourage local communities to actively engage in monitoring healthcare services.

“This will include tracking resource allocation, reporting on healthcare delivery, and advocating for policy changes that prioritise the health needs of marginalized populations,” he said.

He explained the importance of social accountability in improving health outcomes.

“Health security is not just about preparedness for epidemics, but also about ensuring that everyday healthcare services are accessible and effective.

“Community engagement is key to holding health systems accountable and making sure that resources are used efficiently,” he said.

He said that the initiative would prioritise building community resilience against health threats through education, capacity building, and advocacy.

“The goal is to empower local leaders to take ownership of health challenges, particularly in areas where government resources are limited or where infrastructure remain weak.

“A key feature of the programme is training community health workers in surveillance, reporting, and response to public health emergencies,” he said.

He said that the hub would also work with governments to improve policy frameworks that support health security accountability, addressing gaps in current systems and ensuring that international health regulations were upheld.