With support from MNCH2, the Yobe State Accountability Mechanism on MNCH (YoSAMM) was inaugurated on the 21st of April 2014. The mechanism is made up of civil society organisations, the media, health professional bodies as well as key government officials in the state, who meet quarterly with the support of MNCH2 to monitor and review maternal, newborn and child health indices and also ensure appropriate are taken to address key challenges.MNCH2 has built the capacity of YoSAMM members on the strategic use of evidence to drive advocacy for the improvement in the quality of RMNCH services in the state. Through the strategic packaging of evidences into scorecards to influence change, YoSAMM has influenced an increase in budgetary allocation to the health sector up to 15% in-line with the Abuja Declaration and it is able to push for the timely release of the appropriated funds and its proper utilisation. The mechanism is also involved in monitoring the dispensing of free MNCH drugs at health facilities in order to promote accountability and it also collaborates with the state maternal perinatal death surveillance and response committee to ensure maternal deaths are reviewed and appropriate actions are taken based on the national guidelines.
