Kano Health Ministry Conducts iLMD and Data Review Meeting for EDOs, MCH Coordinators Across 44 LGAs

By Frank Pinicop 

The Kano State Ministry of Health, with support from Capacity 4 Sustainable Development (C4SD), convened an Integrated Last-Mile Delivery (iLMD) and Data Review Meeting for Essential Drug Officers (EDOs) and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Coordinators from all 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

The engagement, which brought together key stakeholders from the state health sector, including representatives from the Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, Hospitals Management Board, and Primary Health Care Management Board, aimed to strengthen the efficiency and accountability of the state’s health supply chain system, particularly in the delivery of essential medicines and family planning commodities to healthcare facilities at the last-mile.

The meeting reviewed recent distribution data, assessed supply chain performance indicators, and discussed operational challenges affecting the availability of essential drugs and health commodities at the facility level. The session also provided a platform for the EDOs and MCH Coordinators to share field experiences, highlight best practices, and identify practical solutions to improve timely delivery and accurate reporting.

Speaking, the Director General Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency Pharm. Gali Sule emphasized the importance of reliable data and coordinated logistics systems in ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines and reproductive health commodities across the state.

Pharm. Sule, who was the Chairman of the meeting, noted that strengthening the Integrated Last-Mile Delivery system remains a key strategy in improving healthcare service delivery and reducing preventable maternal and child mortality.

On his part, Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad, the Director General State Primary Health Care Management Board, reiterated Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that essential medicines and health commodities consistently reach the last mile—where they are needed most—thereby improving health outcomes for communities across all 44 LGAs.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Director Pharmaceutical Services, State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Kamilu Mudi Salisu urged the participants to double their efforts to deliver positive results so as to justify the resources invested in the health sector by development partners, notably in the area of strengthening integrated last mile delivery with improved data quality and visibility. 

Assuring the EDOs and MCH Coordinators of the readiness of the state Ministry of Health and DMCSA to provide necessary support to find a lasting solution to any challenge they encountered, the DPS, who doubles as the Chairman of the State Sustainable Health Commodity Supply System Committee (SHCSS-C), called on them to re-dedicate themselves to achieve the desired goals.

On her part, the Coordinator Reproductive Health and Family Planning of the Ministry, Dr. Aisha Barka, appreciated the organizers for convening the review meeting, emphasizing that such engagements are critical for strengthening coordination between programme areas and improving the availability and management of life-saving commodities across our health facilities. She called on the MCH Coordinators and the EDOs to mentor the newly appointed colleagues on their roles and responsibilities to enable them deliver in their respective LGAs. 

Contributing, Dr. Ibrahim Aliyu the Director, Public Health, Ministry of Health, commended the EDOs and MCH Coordinators for their dedication to improving service delivery at the facility level, noting that integration of logistics management data with programme data is critical for ensuring that essential medicines and family planning commodities are consistently available.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Muhammad Nura Yahaya, the Director, Planning, Research, and Statistics, emphasized the importance of data quality, completeness, and timeliness in reporting, stressing that the value of the iLMD and other routine health information platforms lies in the accuracy of the data submitted.

He encouraged the participants to strengthen data validation at the facility level, ensure alignment between logistics data and service data, and actively use the findings from the review meeting to improve performance.

In his submission, the State Coordinator, C4SD, reaffirmed C4SD's commitment to working with the Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders to build resilient health systems through technical assistance, capacity building, and improved data use for decision-making.

The meeting seeks to explore the ILMD and health facilities stock status, as well as the benefits of delivery of health commodities from DMCSA Central Store and Zonal warehouses to facilities.

Additionally, the engagement also explored strategies for strengthening operations of the Logistics Management and Coordinating Unit (LMCU) at both the State and LGA levels.

While leading the final session that outlined the next steps, the Director, Health Commodities and Logistics of the State Primary Health Care Management Board, Pharm. Abdullahi A. Danzabuwa, re-emphasized the importance of implementing the agreed action points as key to successfully achieving the objectives of the meeting.

Kano Taskforce Committee Hands Over Confiscated Illicit Drugs Worth N1.5B to DMCSA

By Frank Pinicop 

The Kano State Taskforce Committee on Motor Parks and Other Public Spaces has handed over confiscated illicit drugs worth N1.5 billion to Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency for safe keeping before destruction.

Handing over the seized commodities, the Chairman of the Committee, Major Adamu Abubakar Usman (Rtd), said the drugs, which include fake, adultered, counterfeit, expired and other harmful substances, were confiscated from dealers at Dangwaro Market

Major Usman assured the people in the state that the Committee will not relent in its responsibility of protecting public health and ensuring compliance with health standards, stressing that the committee is working with market leadership to identify and seize such illicit drugs.

"This is a powerful reminder that our surveillance systems are working, and that those who seek to endanger public health will not go unchecked," he warned, urging traders and drug handlers to adhere to regulations and encouraged citizens to buy medicines from reputable sources only.

Recieving the items, the Director-General of DMCSA Pharm. Gali Sule reaffirmed the commitment of Kano Government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to continue protecting the health and lives of the residents of the state.

"On behalf of the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), I formally receive these confiscated fake, adulterated, counterfeit, and expired medicines. The sight of these products is deeply concerning.

"These dangerous products are not just illegal commodities —they are silent threats. They undermine treatment outcomes, fuel drug resistance, erode public trust in our health system, and, most tragically, cost innocent lives. Let this seizure send a clear and uncompromising message: DMCSA, together with our Taskforce Committee and security partners, will continue to pursue, expose, and prosecute all those involved in the distribution of unsafe and unauthorized medicines."

The DG further commended the Taskforce Committee for their dedication, vigilance, and professionalism, adding thatthe tireless efforts of the Committee have prevented potentially devastating consequences for countless families.

Pharm. Sule then called on importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare providers to uphold the highest standards of compliance and integrity. He also urged the public to purchase medicines only from licensed and authorized outlets and to report any suspicious products to appropriate authority.

The seized drugs include 199 cartons of Benzhexol Hydrochloride BP 5mg tablets, 5 cartons of Cinbul tablets, Levofloxacin 500mg, 3 cartons of Cikatetem 60 ml, 6 cartons of Betaclox, 80 packets of Augementin 1g, among others.

Medipool Delegation Visits Kano DMCSA to Assess DRF Operations

By Maryam Abubakar Tukur 

As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) operations in Kano State, the Medipool team has, on Thursday, paid a strategic visit to Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA).

Speaking during the meeting, Kafayat Babalola, the Medipool Project Lead, said the visit is aimed to gain first-hand insight into DMCSA’s DRF management processes, including procurement, warehousing, distribution, inventory control, and financial sustainability mechanisms, adding that the engagement forms part of Medipool’s broader mandate to support efficient, transparent, and sustainable supply chain systems for essential medicines and medical consumables.

Babalola also emphasized the importance of strong DRF systems in ensuring uninterrupted availability of qualitative medicines at public health facilities. She further noted that lessons learned from Kano State would inform future technical support, collaboration, and system optimization initiatives.

Welcoming the Medipool team, the Director General of DMCSA Pharm. Gali Sule reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to continuous improvement, accountability, and adherence to best practices in pharmaceutical supply chain management, stressing that the ongoing reforms at DMCSA, as approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, are aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing stock-outs, and improving access to essential medicines for residents of Kano State.

Pharm. Sule said the visit underscores the shared commitment of Medipool and Kano State DMCSA to strengthen public health systems through effective drug financing and supply chain management, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare delivery and health outcomes.

During the visit, the Medipool delegation held technical discussions with DMCSA management and key operational staff, reviewing existing workflows and identifying areas of strength as well as opportunities for improvement. The team also toured DMCSA facilities to better understand storage practices, logistics systems, and data management approaches supporting DRF operations.

The Medipool Nigeria is a government-backed initiative established to centralize procurement and improve access to affordable, qualitative drugs and medical consumables across Nigeria through efficient supply chain and financing mechanisms.

Developed as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to aggregate demand across public/private sectors, stimulate local manufacturing, and strengthen supply chain transparency, the Medipool is Nigeria's first national Group Purchasing Organization (GPO), approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in May 2025 to lower healthcare costs and improve access to essential medicines.

The Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), on the other hand, is responsible for the procurement, storage, and distribution of drugs and medical consumables for public health facilities across the state through the administration of the Drug Revolving Fund.

Pharm. Gali Sule DG DMCSA Resigns From NNPP, Awaits Governor's Further Directive

By Margaret Titus 

The Director General, Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), Pharm. Gali Sule, has formally resigned his membership from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP),  reaffirming his unwavering loyalty and commitment to the leadership of Kano State Governor, His Excellency Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf. 

Pharm. Gali Sule's resignation from the NNPP follows Governor Yusuf's earlier resignation from the party.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Pharm. Gali Sule said his decision to part ways with the NNPP was born out of desire to continue serving the people of Kano State effectively.

The DG further emphasized that his loyalty to Governor Yusuf is rooted in shared-values of good governance, people-oriented policies, and sustainable development, noting that these principles will continue to guide his public service

“My resignation from the NNPP is a  decision taken in good faith and in the overall interest of my service to Kano State. I remain fully loyal and committed to the vision, leadership, and developmental agenda of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf,” he stated, stressing that following this development, they are now waiting for further directive from Governor Yusuf regarding subsequent steps to be taken.

Pharm. Gali Sule finally reassured the general public that his role and responsibilities as DG DMCSA remain focused on supporting the Kano State Government’s efforts to deliver meaningful dividends of democracy to the teeming citizens through the provision of qualitative and affordable drugs and medical consumables across the state.

Kano SACA Distributes Rapid Test Kits, Drugs Worth ₦282 Million to Health Facilities

By Margaret Titus 

As part of sustained efforts to strengthen disease prevention, testing, treatment, and care services, the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA) has distributed HIV, Syphilis, and Viral Hepatitis rapid test kits, essential drugs, and medical consumables valued at ₦282 million to health facilities across the state.

The distribution exercise, held on Wednesday at SACA premises, underscores the commitment of the Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to improving access to quality healthcare services, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, and viral hepatitis. The commodities were procured to support early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and effective case management at primary, secondary, and tertiary health facilities.

Flagging-off the distribution of the commodities, the Commissioner State Ministry of Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf said the intervention is aimed at bridging critical gaps in testing and treatment services, especially at the grassroots level. According to him, the availability of these commodities will enhance routine screening, improve treatment outcomes, and contribute significantly to reducing new infections and AIDS-related deaths in the state.

“This distribution is a clear demonstration of the Kano State Government’s resolve to safeguard the health of its citizens. By ensuring that our health facilities are adequately equipped with rapid test kits, drugs, and consumables, we are strengthening our response not only to HIV, but also other sexually transmitted infections like Syphilis, and Viral Hepatitis and moving closer to achieving epidemic control,” the Commissioner stated.

According to Dr. Yusuf, Kano is the pioneer state to initiate the elimination of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis at the same time.

"Kano is the first state to commence a comprehensive triple elimination of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis for our pregnant women attending the six (6) pilot facilities providing comprehensive care with the government budget," he added.

The Commissioner commended the Director General of SACA Dr. Usman Bashir and his team for what he described as "strategic coordination and effective management of HIV, STIs, and Viral Hepatitis in the state."

Speaking, the DG SACA Dr. Usman Bashir urged the recipient facilities to ensure proper utilization of the items distributed, and adhere to national guidelines.

Dr. Bashir also acknowledged the support of development partners, implementing partners, and other stakeholders whose collaboration continues to play a vital role in the state’s HIV and public health response, reaffirming the commitment of his agency to transparency, accountability, and sustained collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure that the distributed commodities are utilized effectively for the benefit of the people of Kano State. 

In their separate remarks, the health facility representatives who received the commodities expressed appreciation, noting that the supplies will improve service delivery, reduce stock-outs, and enhance confidence among clients seeking testing and treatment services.

The Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA) is responsible for coordinating and strengthening the multi-sectoral response to HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, and related public health challenges in Kano State, in line with national and global health goals.

Kano State Agency for Mass Education Graduates Yankaba Hawker Students

By Margaret Titus 

The Kano State Agency for Mass Education has successfully graduated Yankaba hawker students who completed their basic literacy programme under the agency’s educational intervention initiative.

According to a statement issued by Fauziyya Habib Mahmud, the Public Relations Officer of the agency, the literacy classes were conducted at the students’ business centres, enabling them to conveniently combine learning with their daily commercial activities. Upon completion of the programme, certificates were issued to the beneficiaries, alongside start-up capital to support and enhance their businesses. Learning materials were also distributed, including whiteboards and temporary shelters to protect the students from sun and rain during learning sessions.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Agency for Mass Education Dr. Binta Abubakar expressed her pride and satisfaction with the student’s dedication and performance. She urged them to make effective use of their time and pay close attention to what they had been taught, describing them as future leaders.

She further emphasized that society is now in a digital era, noting that even small-scale businesses cannot operate efficiently without basic education and knowledge.

Also speaking at the event, Professor Auwal Halilu of Bayero University, Kano, encouraged the students to remain committed to their studies. He described the programme as a great opportunity and advised them to continue their education until they complete secondary school.

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates and business capital to the students, while the closing prayer was offered by the Chairman of Yankaba Market.

Kano DMCSA Donates Drugs Worth N1.6m to KASSOSA, SUBEB to Mark Governor Yusuf's Birthday

By Margaret Titus 

In a benevolent gesture, the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has donated drugs valued at ₦1.6 million to the Kano Science Schools Students Association (KASSOSA) and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in celebration of the birthday of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Presented by the Director General of the Agency Pharm. Gali Sule on behalf of the Agency, the donation underscores DMCSA’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and supporting education across the state. The gesture also reflects the Governor’s people-centered leadership and enduring investment in health, education, and social welfare.

Speaking during the presentation, Pharm. Gali Sule noted that the donation was inspired by Governor Yusuf’s vision for accessible and affordable healthcare for all residents of Kano State, as contained in a press statement issued by Farouk Isa Musa, the Public Relations Officer of DMCSA.

 “This initiative is our modest way of celebrating His Excellency’s birthday by giving back to institutions and associations that play critical roles in training healthcare professionals and safeguarding the wellbeing of schoolchildren,” the Director General said.

Representatives of KASSOSA and SUBEB expressed appreciation for the timely support, describing the donation as a significant boost to their efforts in promoting student health and strengthening primary healthcare services within schools. They also commended the state government and DMCSA for their continued commitment to public health interventions.

The donated items include a range of essential medications aimed at addressing common health needs and supporting routine care within educational and community settings.

As Kano State marks the 63rd birthday of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, DMCSA reaffirmed its dedication to efficient drug supply, quality assurance, and partnerships that advance the health and wellbeing of the people of Kano State.