By Muhammad Amaan
The Coordinator of the Africa Budget Health Network (AHBN), Dr Aminu Magashi Garba has advocated for and honours frontline health workers, saying they are the true heroes who deserve recognition for their dedication.
He stated this in Maiduguri, Borno State, when the Aminu Magashi Foundation (AMG Foundation) honoured some healthcare providers with awards for their exceptional service delivery in Borno State, during the Dr Aminu Magashi Garba 4th Annual Awards.
The AMG Foundation organises an annual award ceremony to celebrate and motivate these often-unsung individuals for their exceptional service, compassion, and resilience in delivering primary healthcare.
The initiative has been expanded to include various states, providing plaques, certificates, and cash prizes to awardees.
Dr Magashi, who is the founder of AMGF, believes that frontline health workers are the true heroes of the healthcare system and should be recognised for their extraordinary dedication.
The award specifically aims to acknowledge the compassion, resilience, and commitment shown by these workers, particularly those in remote and underserved areas.
Health Reporters Newspaper reports that the Dr Aminu Magashi Annual Award of Excellence, is the core AMG Foundation’s effort, with multiple editions held annually to honour health workers.
The award celebrates and supports individuals working in primary healthcare facilities who are often overlooked.
Winners of the award receive an award frame, a cash prize, certificates, and access to an exclusive WhatsApp group for networking and career development.
The awards aimed to serve as a significant motivation for frontline health workers, with the potential to positively impact health outcomes in Nigeria.
The initiative began in Abuja but has expanded to include other states like Kano, Bauchi, and Borno, aiming to reach more healthcare workers across the country.
The foundation also underscores the importance of collaboration with communities and non-governmental organisations to support and recognise these vital workers.
In his brief remarks before the presentation, Dr Magashi said that the idea of the award started few years ago after receiving several awards from different bodies and organizations.
He explained that, he begun to ask people to, rather than awarding him, why not award frontline health workers who are at the heart of healthcare service delivery in the country.
“I have a desk and shelves full of awards, I don’t need it anymore, I rather prefer it to go to the frontline workers, and that is how the idea of initiating an annual award in my name came about,” he said.
He added that while it is not bad to award people for good service delivery, those in the frontline are usually ignored and “they deserve such recognition and honour more than those who seat behind the desk at the comfort of their office.”
Dr Dauda Anto Waziri, a medical doctor working in Maiduguri was awarded as the Most Dedicated PHC staff, Male, in the state, while Mrs. Falmata Musa from Biu local government area, bagged the female category of the award.
Similarly, Ali Mohammed, a volunteer health worker was honoured as the Most Committed Volunteer PHC Staff.
Also, Falmata Abatcha, from Nganzai local government area, was recognized as the Most Patient Friendly PHC Staff, Female, and the male category of the same award was awarded to Karumi Sanda, who works at Auno, a community under Konduga local government area of the state.
Other awardees are Ali Musa, from Jere and Mrs. Yagana Saleh, from Monguno as Best Performing local government officers.
