By FAIZA ABUBAKAR, Kaduna

The Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM) has conferred its Technical Luminary in Healthcare Accountability Award on Dr. Aminu Magashi in recognition of his outstanding technical support and contributions to advancing maternal and child health in Kaduna State.

The award was presented following the just-concluded #OpenKadunaHealthSector Policy Dialogue held in Kaduna, which brought together government officials, civil society organisations and development partners to strengthen accountability in the health sector.

Dr. Magashi, Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Health Budget Network and a key technical supporter of KADMAM, expressed delight at the remarkable growth of the mechanism over the past decade. He recalled providing technical support to KADMAM about 10 years ago, contributing to its establishment and the commencement of the quarterly #OpenKadunaHealthSector Dialogue.

According to him, recent developments in the civil society space have shown that KADMAM’s structure is solid and steadily delivering on its mandate as an accountability mechanism. He urged Social and Legislative Accountability Mechanisms (SLAMs) across the country to understudy KADMAM’s governance and coordination model.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Muhammad Usman, Special Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, commended KADMAM for its achievements.

“The fact that the world has acknowledged your contribution as a civil society organisation in the health sector within just 10 years of existence is worthy of commendation,” he said, describing Dr. Magashi as a tireless advocate for health sector improvement.

Presenting the award on behalf of KADMAM, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Alhaji Mustapha Jumare, said Dr. Magashi has remained a pillar of accountability mechanisms in Kaduna State and beyond.

“His technical support has positioned KADMAM on the global map,” he said, adding that the mechanism currently works across RMNCAH+N, immunisation and family planning.

In his remarks, the Co-Chair of KADMAM, Alhaji Garba Muhammad, attributed many of KADMAM’s successes to sustained partner support, highlighting the institutionalisation of the quarterly #OpenKadunaHealthSector Dialogue, which brings together key stakeholders to improve accountability and service uptake, particularly at the primary healthcare level.

He also appreciated the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, State Primary Healthcare Board, KADSHMA, KADCHMA, and the Zazzau Emirate Council, as well as development partners including the Gates Foundation, EngenderHealth Consortium, FCDO Lafiya, Nigeria Health Watch (CCSI), LISDEL, ISMPH, BudgIT, Development Delivery Partners (DDP) and Pathfinder International for their support towards the success of the 2025 #OpenKadunaHealthSector Dialogue.

According to him, these partnerships continue to strengthen transparency, accountability and improved health service delivery across Kaduna State.