The Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) has called on journalists to play a more active role in holding government and other stakeholders accountable for health security financing, stressing the need for consistent scrutiny and public engagement to ensure transparency and readiness in epidemic preparedness.

Speaking at a media briefing in Kano, NHED’s Senior Technical Advisor, Dr. Jeromi Mafeni, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the Health Security Financing Accountability Framework (HSFAF), a tool designed to track how funds for health emergencies are allocated, disbursed, and utilised.

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“Over the past months, NHED has worked closely with government stakeholders to support the adoption and institutionalisation of the HSFAF. Kano State has demonstrated leadership by passing the Public Health Security Bill and endorsing this framework,” Dr. Mafeni stated.

However, he revealed a major challenge uncovered during a recent validation meeting: the framework has yet to be populated with the financial data it was meant to track.

“This gap is not simply technical—it goes to the heart of accountability. Without data, the framework is an empty shell,” he said, adding that a task force has now been reconstituted to lead the long-overdue data population process, with NHED offering technical assistance and stakeholder engagement support.

Dr. Mafeni urged journalists to continue asking critical questions such as what was budgeted, whether funds were released, and how they were spent.

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“Accountability only thrives when scrutiny is consistent. Through your reporting, you make the invisible visible. We urge you to track the implementation of this framework and keep the spotlight on health security financing—not just during emergencies, but every day,” he said.

In a statement issued after the event and signed by NHED’s Communications Officer, Tessy Nongo Maina, the organization reiterated its appeal to the media to go beyond event reporting and actively monitor funding flows and policy implementation.

“Health security is not just a government responsibility—it is a public good. Journalists must help keep this issue on the agenda by telling data-driven, human-centred stories that make health security financing relevant to everyday citizens,” the statement read.

NHED warned that without active media oversight and public participation, the Health Security Financing Accountability Framework risks remaining a mere document with no real impact.

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The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the media to ensure these accountability tools are fully operational and effective.

“We cannot afford to be reactive in the face of health threats. The systems we build now—including systems of accountability—will determine how we respond.

“The media is not a bystander in this process. You are essential partners in building public trust and strengthening preparedness,” the statement concluded.