By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
The Kano State Ministry of Health has commenced a three-day Co-Creation Workshop on Lead Poisoning Prevention In Kano, aimed at developing practical strategies to eliminate lead exposure and safeguard public health across the state.
Declaring the workshop open today, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pharmacist Aminu Bashir, reaffirmed the State Government’s strong commitment to protecting citizens from environmental hazards, particularly the silent but devastating threat of lead poisoning.
Dr. Labaran commended the Ministry’s development partner, Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), for its continued technical and financial support in advancing public health priorities in Kano State. He noted that lead exposure whether from contaminated soil, paint, water, or consumer products poses serious health risks, especially to children and pregnant women, leading to impaired brain development and other long-term complications.
In a statement signed by public relations officer state ministry for health Nabilisi Abubakar Kofar Na’isa said the Commissioner emphasized that the co-creation model adopted for the workshop will enable participants to jointly design evidence-based, community-drivenand sustainable interventions to tackle lead contamination. The approach, he said, will strengthen intersectoral collaboration among government agencies, academia, industry, civil society, and traditional and religious leaders.
Speaking further, the state Commissioner for health on behalf of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, reiterated the present administration’s unwavering commitment to environmental health, disease prevention, and a healthier and safer Kano for all.
He appreciated the contributions of RTSL, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the State Ministries of Environment and Information, NAFDAC, SON, the Consumer Protection Commission, academia, and other development and community partners for their roles in making the workshop a reality.
The three-day event is expected to produce a comprehensive action plan outlining surveillance, risk communication, environmental remediation, and policy enforcement measures toward achieving a lead-free Kano State.
