By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
Kano state government has assured its commitment to reduce the spreading Non-commicable Diseases across the state.
The state commissioner for health Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf stated this during the press briefing on the joint commemorations of 2026 Neglected Tropical Diseases Day NTDs, world Leprosy Day, world Cancer Day and Flag off SARMAAN II Implementation in the state.
He said, the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day, World Leprosy Day, and World Cancer Day, while also formally updating the public on the implementation of the round 2 of SARMAAN II Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in Kano State.
According to the commissioner these global health observances – marked annually on 30th January (World NTDs Day), the last Sunday of January (World Leprosy Day), and 4th February (World Cancer Day) – serve as powerful reminders that preventable and treatable diseases continue to affect the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
“This gathering reflects Kano State’s unwavering commitment to equity, prevention, early detection, and universal access to quality healthcare, in line with national and global health priorities.”
“Global Themes and State Commitment the 2026 World NTDs Day theme is:“Unite, Act, Eliminate: Towards the Achievement of Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. ”The 2026 World Leprosy Day theme is:“Leprosy is curable – the real challenge is stigma.”With the slogan: “End Leprosy, End Stigma, Embrace Dignity.”The World Cancer Day theme is:“Close the Care Gap. ”These themes strongly align with the vision of the Kano State Government under the focused leadership Governor of Kano State Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, to protect the dignity of every citizen, eliminate preventable diseases, and ensure that no one is left behind in access to healthcare services,” Dr Labaran said.
The commissioner further said the Burden of NTDs, Leprosy and Cancer in Kano StateLadies and gentlemen, Neglected Tropical Diseases are a group of preventable and treatable communicable diseases that thrive in conditions of poverty, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare.
Adding that In Kano State, priority NTDs include:Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) Lymphatic FilariasisSchistosomiasisSoil-TransmittedHelminthiasisTrachoma These diseases negatively impact health, education, productivity, and economic development.
Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf pointed out that Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves and is transmitted through prolonged close contact with untreated cases. In 2025 alone, Kano State detected and successfully treated 319 leprosy patients , with zero mortality recorded, demonstrating the effectiveness of early detection and treatment.
According to the commissioner, the Cancer is not just a medical condition but a social and economic challenge.
“Between January and September 2025, the Kano Cancer Centre managed 444 cancer cases, with cervical cancer (13.3%) and breast cancer (10.8%) being the most common — reaffirming the need for prevention, screening, and early treatment,” The commissioner said.
He said, the Key Achievements Under this present Administration the inception of this administration include:Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) reaching 4,778,838 persons for Onchocerciasis, Lymphatic Filariasis, Soil-Transmitted Helminths, and Trachoma approval and release of ₦375 million for feeding over 3 million school-aged children during the 2025 Schistosomiasis Campaign General renovation and upgrading of Yadakunya Leprosarium to a General Hospital Distribution of over 90,000 free spectacles and reading glasses to Kano residents Training of 120 healthcare workers on active cancer case finding and referral Training of 120 healthcare workers on paediatric diabetes and sickle cell disease case detection Distribution of gluco meters and essential commodities for free diabetes screening Revitalization of School Health Services.
“A critical pillar of today’s briefing is the round 2 of SARMAAN II Mass Drug Administration, an evidence-based child survival intervention targeting children aged 1–59 months through the administration of Azithromycin.SARMAAN II is designed to:Reduce childhood mortality Prevent common infectious diseases Strengthen community-based primary healthcare delivery”. The commissioner added
Dr. Abubakar Labaran also said the programme builds on the success of round 1 of SARMAAN II project where over 1.9 million children were reached (reflecting 93% coverage) across 28 LGAs and is being implemented with strict safety protocols, strong pharmacovigilance, community engagement, and real-time monitoring.
“Let me emphasize clearly, SARMAAN II project is safe, scientifically proven, and implemented in line with national and international guidelines, with the wellbeing of our children as the top priority,” He said.
According to him, the Kano State Government remains committed to providing free essential health services, including:Free MNCH Services free malaria treatment Free HIV, TB, Leprosy and NTD services Support for cancer, sickle cell disease and diabetic Patients free emergency, eye care, and accident services.
