By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
The Kano State Government has recorded significant strides in the health sector across its 44 local government areas over the past two years.
Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, disclosed this during a press briefing to commemorate World Health Day 2026 in Kano.
He said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” underscores the need for evidence-based policies, strong partnerships and sustained political will in improving public health outcomes.
According to him, under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the state has prioritised healthcare, implementing strategic reforms that have delivered measurable results.
Labaran noted that Kano has strengthened its health security system, with disease surveillance now achieving over 90 per cent reporting performance across all LGAs, enhancing early detection and response to outbreaks.
He added that through the State Emergency Operations Centre, authorities have effectively tackled multiple public health threats, preventing escalation.
On polio, the commissioner revealed that the state recorded a 90 per cent reduction in cases in 2025 compared to 2024, with zero confirmed cases in the last 15 months.
He, however, cautioned against complacency, stressing that efforts would be intensified to sustain the gains.
Similarly, Kano recorded over 85 per cent reduction in diphtheria cases, while routine immunisation coverage improved to between 78 and 82 per cent, with more than 90 per cent of wards conducting outreach services.
He further disclosed that over 7.1 million children were vaccinated during the measles-rubella campaign, representing about 92 per cent coverage statewide.
In maternal and child health, Labaran said maternal mortality dropped from 1,024 to 588 deaths per 100,000 live births, while service utilisation and quality of care rose from 66 to 91 per cent.
He added that outreach services increased by 34 per cent and facility-based care by 11 per cent, reflecting improved access and service delivery.
On nutrition, the state, in partnership with UNICEF, invested about N1 billion in therapeutic food, distributing over 12,900 cartons and activating more than 90 treatment centres.
The commissioner also highlighted improvements in family planning services, with over 1,000 health workers trained to provide quality counselling.
He attributed the achievements to strengthened primary healthcare under the PHC Under One Roof policy, workforce development, improved supply chains, and enhanced community engagement.
Labaran noted that Kano allocated about 15.9 per cent of its budget to health, with over 90 per cent execution in 2025, supported by innovative financing mechanisms to sustain progress.
