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.
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