The Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation (HSDF) is proud to announce that Uchechukwu Ezenwa Ezeh has received the Elizabeth and Donald Hillman Award at the 32nd Canadian Conference on Global Health (CCGH), held in Montréal, Canada, from October 16–18, 2026.
Presented by the Canadian Association for Global Health, the annual award recognizes the researcher who delivers the most outstanding poster presentation at the conference. Uchechukwu was honored for his study, “Why More Money is Not Enough: Evidence from Facility-Level Expenditure Tracking on Financial Accountability in PHC in Nigeria.”
Examining 23 Primary Health Care (PHC) Centres of Excellence across Kaduna State, Nigeria, the research revealed critical gaps in financial traceability, expenditure documentation, account reconciliation, and overall accountability; factors that limit the ability to translate available funding into frontline health priorities.
These findings underscore a vital lesson for health financing reform that increased funding alone does not guarantee improved health outcomes. How resources are managed, tracked, and deployed is just as critical as the amount allocated. Furthermore, strengthening public financial management and accountability mechanisms remains essential to ensuring health resources are used transparently, efficiently, and where they are needed most.
The Elizabeth and Donald Hillman Award certificate presented to Uchechukwu Ezenwa Ezeh at CCGH 2026, Montréal.
A prestigious recognition with a proud legacy
Established in 2001, the Elizabeth and Donald Hillman Award is an annual recognition that honours excellence in global health research and poster presentation. It is named in honour of Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Donald Hillman, Canadian paediatricians who dedicated their careers to improving healthcare and medical education for mothers and children across multiple continents, particularly in underserved communities.
Entries are assessed on the quality and clarity of the research, stakeholder engagement, the significance of the findings, their potential contribution to global health, and the presenter’s ability to communicate key lessons and demonstrate learning.
Global health equity in a fragmented world
This year’s conference brought together researchers, practitioners and policymakers under the theme “Collectively Reclaiming Global Health Equity: Restoring Commitment to Action in a Fragmented and Uncertain World.” Standing out in this setting places HSDF’s work firmly within the global conversation on how evidence can drive more equitable health systems.
“This award is a testament to the rigour and relevance of the work our teams do every day. It also shows that evidence generated with and for African health systems can shape global thinking. We are immensely proud of Uchechukwu and grateful to the partners and communities, particularly the Gates Foundation and the Kaduna State Government, who made this research possible.”
Yewande Ogundeji, Managing Principal (Global Operations), HSDF
“I am highly honoured to receive this recognition and award. This award reflects the commitment of our whole team and the communities whose experiences continue to shape our work. I hope it inspires greater investment in the evidence, innovation and partnerships that build stronger, more equitable health systems.”
Uchechukwu Ezenwa Ezeh, Program Manager, HSDF
What this means for HSDF
- International recognition of the quality and relevance of HSDF’s technical work.
- A testament to our contribution to evidence, health systems strengthening and global health practice.
- Increased visibility for HSDF’s research and thought leadership in global health.
Looking ahead, this recognition comes as HSDF continues to expand its research and knowledge-sharing agenda. This award-winning study, along with many other upcoming publications, will be made available on our website for the wider global health community. We congratulate Uchechukwu and the entire team on this well-deserved achievement.
About the Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation (HSDF)
The Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation (HSDF) is a not-for-profit organisation that works with governments, development partners and communities across Africa to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes through evidence-based research, strategy, programme delivery and knowledge management. Learn more at www.hsdf.org.ng.
About the Canadian Conference on Global Health
The Canadian Conference on Global Health is the annual conference of the Canadian Association for Global Health. The 32nd edition took place in Montréal from 16 to 18 October 2026.
