World AIDS Day: Kano SACA Conducts Medical Outreach at Kurmawa Custodial Centre

By Margaret Titus 

The Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA) has conducted a comprehensive multi-disease medical outreach at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre in the metropolis, targeting HIV, Hepatitis, Syphilis, and Tuberculosis (TB) screening, treatment linkage, and health education for inmates.

The outreach, conducted on Thursday 27th November 2025, in partnership with key health stakeholders and development partners, forms a central component of Kano State’s activities to mark World AIDS Day 2025, celebrated globally under the theme "Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigerian HIV Response," with sub-theme for the state: "Kano on the March to Achieving 95-95-95 Goals by 2030."

Speaking during the outreach, the Director General of SACA Dr. Usman Bashir emphasized that incarcerated individuals remain a high-priority population in Nigeria’s HIV response, noting that overcrowding, limited healthcare access, and high disease burden increase the vulnerability of people in custodial facilities.

“Today’s multi-disease campaign to Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre underscores the commitment of Kano State Government, under the leadership of the Executive Governor Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, to leaving no one behind. By bringing comprehensive screening and care to this facility, we are strengthening prevention efforts, expanding treatment access, and ensuring sustained progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat,” the Director General stated.

"This initiative reinforces the state’s commitment to eliminating barriers to healthcare access, particularly among vulnerable and underserved populations," he added.

According to Dr. Bashir, this year’s World AIDS Day activities reaffirm Kano State Government’s dedication to achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2030, ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those who know their status are on sustained treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.

"With strengthened political will, community engagement, and sustained investment, Kano continues to make significant strides toward reducing new infections, eliminating mother-to-child transmission, and improving quality of life for people living with HIV," Dr. Bashir asserted.

The DG extends appreciation to the Kano State Government,Honorable Commissioner of Health,Heads of Health MDAs and other multi Sector agencies and Ministries,and the SACA partners in the health sector, as well as civil society organizations for their unwavering support and collaboration, noting that "Together, we move a step closer to an AIDS-free generation."

Responding, the Deputy Controller of the National Correctional Service Kano Command Ibrahim Isa Rambo commended Kano SACA for the initiative, highlighting the importance of consistent health interventions within the custodial environment to protect both inmates and the wider community.

The outreach provided a HIV testing and counseling, hepatitis B and C screening, syphilis rapid diagnostic testing, as well as TB symptom screening.

Other services rendered to the inmates of the custodial center by SACA during the exercise are providing immediate linkage to care and ART initiation for newly identified HIV cases, and facilitating health education sessions on prevention, treatment adherence, and stigma reduction.

Drugs like antimalarials, antihelmonthics, painkillers, disinfectant, face masks, plumpy nuts etc were donated to the clinic for its efficient running. All the funds for the activities were solely provided by the Kano State Government.

PANS BUK Chapter Visits DG DMCSA, Seeks Stronger Partnership

By Rukayya Nadabo 

The Director General of the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) Pharm. Gali Sule has, on Friday, hosted the executive leadership of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS), Bayero University Kano (BUK) Chapter, during a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening collaboration and fostering professional mentorship for emerging pharmacists.

Receiving the excos, the Director General spoke at length on the success recorded at DMCSA under his leadership, including increasing drug availability at state-owned healthcare facilities from 30 percent to over 97 percent, construction of a world-class PharmaGrade Warehouse, and the payment of about N1 billion out of N1 2 billion debt inherited from the previous administration 

Other notable achievements recorded are remodeling of Drug Manufacturing Unit into a modern Quality Control Laboratory, increment in drug affordability as drugs at public facilities are now 40 percent cheaper than at private pharmacies and other patent medicine stores as 2024 survey shows, and, lastly, creating a fund value for the Agency of N377 million, as of September 2025, from the inherited negative balance of N102 million.

 Pharm. Sule further commended the students for their proactive engagement and dedication to leadership. He praised their efforts in promoting ethical practice, capacity-building, and public health awareness within and beyond the university community. He further encouraged them to uphold professionalism, integrity, and continuous learning as they prepare to join the healthcare workforce.

The Director General also reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to support initiatives that align with its mandate of ensuring efficient procurement, distribution, and management of drugs and medical consumables across Kano State. He assured the students of his guidance and expressed willingness to explore avenues for collaboration, including mentorship, experiential learning opportunities, and participation in health-related outreach programs.

Earlier speaking, the President of PANS Bayero University Kano Chapter Comrade Adamu Sulaiman Adamu said they were at DMCSA to briefed the Director General on the activities conducted by the association, the upcoming programs, and initiatives designed to enhance academic excellence, professional development, and community-centered pharmaceutical care. The delegation emphasized their commitment to contributing meaningfully to the health sector and preparing students to meet the evolving demands of the pharmaceutical profession.

"We are here to seek for your professional advice and fatherly guidance being a patron of our association. We also wish to brief you on the activities we conducted so far and our planned programs for the future," he explained.

According to the President, PANS BUK Chapter has organized orientation with a view to provide assistance to new students on how to do registrations, conducted tutorials for junior classes, and also procured teaching-assisted equipment and electrical gadgets for their fellow colleagues. 

Other key activities undertaken by the student body are organizing a webner for students on how to apply for scholarships, conducting an industrial tour to a pharmaceutical company for hands-on practical knowledge, and attending a PANS national convention which took place at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Speaking on the planned programs of the association, Comrade Adamu said PANS is intending to organize a workshop for students on pharmacovigilance, to hold

Young Health Ambassadors Project for career guidance, and to conduct PANS Annual Health Week aimed at creating awareness among students, adding that they are also planning to carry out a medical outreach, a symposium, and a debate between the students of the Faculty of Pharmacy.

The meeting concluded with mutual expressions of commitment to strengthening ties between DMCSA and PANS BUK, fostering a shared vision for improved healthcare delivery and the advancement of pharmaceutical education in Kano State.

KHETFUND Team Visits College of Nursing Madobi for Post-Funding Verification of Exam Intervention

By Rukayya Nadabo 

In its continuous commitment to ensure transparency, accountability, and the effective utilization of health sector interventions, the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) has conducted a post-funding verification visit to the College of Nursing, Madobi, following the disbursement of funds for the Final Qualifying Examination Intervention.

The intervention, worth N1,878,000 which was released on 30th July 2025, is part of the KHETFUND's broader strategy to strengthen the health workforce and improve service delivery across Kano’s healthcare facilities.

Speaking during the visit, which took place on Wednesday 12th November 2025, the Executive Secretary of KHETFUND Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen commended the management and staff of the College of Nursing Madobi for their dedication to improving nursing education and for their prudent use of the support funds.

"We are here today to verify how funds released for qualifying examination were utilized, with a view to ensure the successful qualification of final-year nursing students,," the Executive Secretary said.

Dr. Zahraddeen stressed that the post-funding verification exercise aligns with KHETFUND’s accountability framework to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of all funded projects, thereby guaranteeing long-term sustainability and public trust.

“Our goal is to ensure that all disbursed fund allocated towards strengthening healthcare sector in Kano State achieves its intended purpose. By supporting nursing education, we are investing in the future of healthcare delivery in Kano,” she pointed.

Responding, Danlami Shehu, who spoke on behalf of the Principal of College of Nursing Madobi, expressed appreciation for the intervention, which has enhanced the capacity of the college to prepare students for national qualifying examinations and supported quality learning environments.

KHETFUND was established to mobilize, manage, and disburse funds for sustainable health financing in Kano State. The Fund supports healthcare infrastructure, human resource development, and essential health services through targeted interventions that enhance quality and access to care for all residents.

KHETFUND Executive Secretary Visits Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu Paediatric Hospital for Pre-Funding Verification

By Rukayya Nadabo 

As a part of due diligence process, the officials from Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) have visited Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu Paediatric Hospital for pre-funding verification following the hospital’s funding request for the procurement of vital working equipment. The proposed procurement aims to facilitate the accreditation of residency training in paediatrics at the facility.

The verification visit, held on Wednesday 12th November 2025, was led by the Executive Secretary of KHETFUND, Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen, alongside top officials from the Fund. The team was received by the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Safiya Gambo, and other members of the management.

Speaking during the visit, the Executive Secretary spoke extensively on KHETFUND’s commitment to strengthening health systems in Kano State.

"KHETFUND remains committed to supporting health facilities across Kano State in achieving operational excellence and advancing access to quality healthcare for all residents. As a government agency established to mobilize, manage, and disburse funds for the sustainable improvement of healthcare delivery in Kano State, KHETFUND supports strategic interventions in infrastructure, equipment, and human resource development to strengthen the state’s health system," Dr. Zahraddeen affirmed.

“This pre-funding verification is a critical step in our funding process. It ensures that resources are directed towards facilities that demonstrate readiness, capacity, and a genuine commitment to improving healthcare delivery,” she added.

The Executive Secretary further expressed her appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his unrelenting support to the Fund and the Ministry of Health in general. She also commended the Commissioner for Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf for guidance and mentorship.

On their part, the management of Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu Paediatric Hospital extended appreciation for KHETFUND’s proactive approach and reaffirmed the hospital’s dedication to achieving accreditation standards required for residency training.

“Our vision is to make this hospital a center of excellence in paediatric care and training. With KHETFUND’s support, we are confident that our facility will soon meet all necessary accreditation benchmarks,” said the Chief Medical Director.

The visit included a comprehensive assessment of the hospital’s infrastructure, available equipment, human resources, and compliance with regulatory standards. Findings from the verification exercise will guide KHETFUND’s funding decision and ensure that interventions yield sustainable improvements in healthcare service delivery and capacity building.

KHETFUND Conducts Post-Funding Verification of Solar Power Intervention at Kura General Hospital

By Rukayya Nadabo 

The Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) has successfully conducted a post-funding verification exercise of the recently completed solar power system installation at Kura General Hospital, one of its strategic health facility interventions aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring sustainability in healthcare infrastructure across the State.

The verification visit, led by the Executive Secretary of KHETFUND, Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen, alongside key officials and representatives of civil society organizations was undertaken to assess the quality, functionality, and impact of the solar energy intervention.

Speaking during the exercise, which took place on Tuesday 11th November 2025, the Executive Secretary emphasized KHETFUND’s commitment to ensuring quality, accountability, and transparency in all funded interventions.

“Reliable electricity supply is the backbone of efficient healthcare service delivery. Through this solar system initiative, as one of the KHETFUND 2025 regular interventions, we are addressing one of the major operational challenges faced by public hospitals—especially in rural areas like Kura—where power supply interruptions compromise patient care," Dr. Zahraddeen said.

“Post-funding verification is a key accountability measure. It allows us to confirm that projects are functional, properly utilized, and delivering the expected outcomes for the people of Kano State," she added.

As a statutory agency established to provide sustainable financing for healthcare delivery in Kano State, the ES has reaffirmed KHETFUND’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure across all local government areas in the state through strategic investments, and continuous monitoring of such funded interventions.

"Our mandate includes mobilizing, managing, and disbursing funds to support health sector development, infrastructure, equipment, and capacity building, while promoting accountability and efficiency across the state’s health system," she stressed.

The solar power installation at Kura General Hospital, which costed the sum of N31,480,900 and disbursed on 30th July 2025, has already begun to improve clinical operations, powering essential units such as the maternity ward, postnatal ward, antenatal clinic, operating theatre, general ward, scanning room, and serve as a source of power for the facility's borehole.

Other units covered by the intervention are outpatient department (OPD), pharmacy, accident and emergency, x-ray, physiotherapy, and ART units, among others.

During the visit, the KHETFUND team engaged with learders of Kura Local Government and the hospital management to ensure sustainability mechanisms are in place.

Speaking, the Chairman of Kura Local Government Area Hon. Rabiu Abubakar Suleiman expressed his appreciation to the leadership of KHETFUND for their numerous impactful interventions across the state especially in Kura Local Government, adding that since the KHETFUND installed the solar system at Kura General Hospital, the healthcare service delivery has significantly improved in the community.

Hon. Sulaiman commended the Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for giving adequate priority to health sector. He then commended the Commissioner for Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf for his exceptional leadership qualities which oversees the revolution of the health sector in the state.

"On behalf of the entire residents of Kura Local Government, I want to extend my profound gratitude to the Executive Secretary of Kano State Health Trust Fund Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen and the entire staff of KHETFUND for this impactful intervention at this hospital, and for other numerous insightful interventions at state-owned health facilities and the public health institutions across the state. "

Speaking on behalf of the management of Kura General Hospital, the Senior Medical Officer at the facility Dr Imam Ibrahim and the Primary Health Care Coordinator Ibrahim Ibrahim Shuaibu expressed appreciation to KHETFUND for the important intervention, noting that there are significant improvements in general patient care, vaccine storage, and emergency response services.

...KHETFUND is everywhere, within the state, within the health sector.

Kano DMCSA to Foster Partnership with KASSOSA on Health Advocacy, Education, Community Outreach

By Rukayya Nadabo 

The Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has announced a new partnership initiative with the Kano Science Secondary Schools Old Students Association (KASSOSA) Class of 2021 General Chapter aimed at fostering collaboration in health education, community outreach, and youth development.

The Director General of DMCSA Pharm. Gali Sule made this known when he received the executive leadership of the association when they paid him a courtesy visit at the Agency’s headquarters in Kano.

Welcoming the delegation, the Director General commended the association for its commitment to fostering unity and development among alumni of science secondary schools across the state, noting that the passion and organizational spirit demonstrated by the young graduates reflect the values of excellence and service instilled by Kano’s science education system.

“It is encouraging to see young people, especially science graduates, showing initiative and a sense of responsibility toward community development and contribute positively to society. The Agency will continue to support educational and youth-driven initiatives that align with our mandate. The DMCSA believes in supporting youth-driven initiatives that align with the state’s vision for human capital development and public health improvement,” the Pharm. Sule said.

He emphasized the importance of science education in building future leaders capable of driving progress in healthcare, research, and technology.

The DG commended the association’s commitment to supporting educational and health-related initiatives across the state, reaffirming the Agency’s readiness to collaborate with youth-led groups in promoting public health awareness, responsible drug use, and science-based community service.

"This kind of partnership aligns with DMCSA’s broader mission to ensure access to quality, safe, and affordable srugs and medical consumables while encouraging civic participation in the health sector. I'm optimistic that this collaboration would serve as a model for other alumni associations and public institutions in Kano State," he assured

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of KASSOSA Class 2021 General Chapter Comrade Auwal Mustapha Maikano expressed his satisfaction with the DG's commitment to transparency, efficiency, and the promotion of public health standards. He also commended the management of DMCSA for their warm reception and the Agency’s contributions to improving access to qualitative and affordable drugs and medical consumables in Kano State.

Appreciating the Director-General for his exceptional leadership in ensuring the steady supply of quality drugs and medical consumables across the state’s healthcare facilities,  Comrade Maikano reiterated the association’s readiness to partner with the Agency in areas such as health awareness campaigns, educational outreach, and community development programs.

"I, on behalf of KASSOSA Class of 2021 General Chapter, wish to commend the DG DMCSA Pharm. Gali Sule for his open-door policy and commitment to community partnership. This collaboration would create opportunities for joint health campaigns, mentorship programs, and volunteer projects in schools and local communities," the Chairman said.

“Our association believes that health awareness and drug safety are key components of community progress. We look forward to collaborating with DMCSA to educate our members and the general public on responsible drug use and healthcare access,” he added.

The visit was part of KASSOSA’s ongoing engagement efforts aimed at strengthening collaboration between alumni of science-based secondary schools and key stakeholders driving healthcare, education, and innovation in Kano State.

KASSOSA is a network of alumni dedicated to promoting science education, professional development, and community service across Kano State. The Class 2021 General Chapter represents graduates from all science secondary schools in the state, and they are dedicated to promoting educational excellence, mentorship, and community service among graduates.

Gov. Yusuf’s Health Revolution Continues with Major Cleaning Materials Intervention

By Samira Suleiman

The Kano State Government, under the transformative leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has once again reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the healthcare system through the purchase and distribution of cleaning and cleansing materials to all state-owned health facilities under the Hospitals Management Board (HMB).

This timely intervention reflects the Governor’s steadfast dedication to promoting hygiene, safety, and quality healthcare delivery across the state. The provision of these essential materials will go a long way in enhancing infection prevention and control, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for patients, visitors, and healthcare workers alike.

In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency for his continuous efforts in addressing the needs of the health sector, particularly the Hospitals Management Board. He noted that “not for once has the Governor ever rejected any request from the health sector” describing this gesture as a reflection of his unwavering passion and commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Kano State.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, commended His Excellency for his consistent support and attention to the welfare of health institutions. He described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the Governor’s vision to revitalize healthcare infrastructure and services across all levels.

Dr. Nagoda assured that the Board remains committed to ensuring the judicious utilization of the provided materials across all facilities, with effective supervision to achieve sustainable results. He further pledged that under the people-oriented leadership of Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, more impactful projects and interventions will continue to unfold in the health sector.

The Executive Secretary reaffirmed the Board’s readiness to align fully with the Governor’s reform agenda aimed at restoring the glory of Kano’s healthcare system, ensuring cleaner facilities, better patient care, and a healthier population.