Accountability Key to Resilient Health System — IHVN

By Ojoma Akor

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has said that accountability through strong internal audit and compliance systems is critical to building a credible health sector, safeguarding donor funds, and improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

IHVN’s Director of Internal Audit and Compliance, Dr. Johnson Obilikwu, stated this during an exclusive interview with Health and Science Africa in Abuja, Nigeria.

He said accountability should be viewed as a strategic pillar of national health development rather than merely a financial obligation.

He said, “Strong health systems require strong accountability. Internal audit and compliance ensure that resources meant for health interventions are used efficiently, transparently, and for their intended purposes.”

He also said that every naira lost to inefficiency, fraud, or weak financial oversight is a missed opportunity to save lives and improve healthcare delivery.

Dr. Obilikwu further said accountability in the health sector should be viewed not merely as an administrative obligation but as a public health imperative, stressing that strong financial governance is essential for sustaining donor confidence, protecting public investments, and ensuring that health services reach those who need them most.

“Every naira or donor dollar lost to inefficiency is a missed opportunity to improve lives, strengthen communities, and advance national development,” he said. “Accountability is not just a financial responsibility—it is a public health responsibility,” he said.

He said robust governance systems help organizations manage risks, comply with regulatory and donor requirements, strengthen public trust, and deliver sustainable health programs.

Warning against grant mismanagement, he said prevention remains the best safeguard.

“The best way to protect donor funds is to build strong systems before problems arise. Prevention is always more effective and less costly than correction,” he said.

According to him, IHVN has strengthened financial governance through preventive and detective controls, including pre- and post-transaction reviews, compliance monitoring, and oversight of implementing partners. These measures, he noted, have reduced audit queries, increased donor confidence, and enhanced the Institute’s ability to attract and manage funding.

He added that donors increasingly invest in organizations that demonstrate transparency, accountability, and measurable results.

“Every naira accounted for, and every grant properly managed, contributes to stronger institutions, better healthcare delivery, and a more resilient health system,” Obilikwu said.

The expert also highlighted that health institutions should embrace innovations such as data analytics, automated compliance monitoring, enterprise resource planning platforms, electronic documentation systems, predictive analytics, and risk-based auditing tools to improve transparency and strengthen accountability.

“These technologies enable organizations to detect irregularities more quickly, monitor compliance in real time, and make better-informed decisions,” he said, adding that predictive analytics can identify emerging risks before they become major problems.

However, he cautioned that technology alone cannot guarantee accountability. “Successful organizations combine innovative tools with strong governance structures, competent personnel, ethical leadership, and a culture that values transparency and accountability,” he said.

Obilikwu called on government institutions, development partners, implementing organizations, and the public to work together to strengthen oversight and safeguard health resources, noting that responsible financial stewardship ultimately translates into better healthcare services for Nigerians.

“At IHVN, we believe that accountability builds trust, trust attracts investment, and investment strengthens health systems,” he said. “By protecting resources and ensuring they are managed responsibly, we can build a more resilient, effective, and sustainable health sector for Nigeria.”

He maintained that as Nigeria pursues stronger healthcare systems and Universal Health Coverage(UHC), investments in technology-driven accountability and sound financial governance will be as important as investments in medicines, laboratories, and healthcare infrastructure.