Kano State reaffirms commitment to eradicate HIV/AIDS
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating HIV/AIDS through a series of targeted initiatives and increased investments.
The pledge was made on Monday during the commemoration of World AIDS Day 2024 under the theme “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”
Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, the Honorable Commissioner for Health in Kano State, noted the significance of this year’s theme, stressing that it underlines the critical role of equity and dignity in health services.
“We stand in solidarity with the 39.9 million people living with HIV worldwide, including 2.1 million in Nigeria and approximately 30,000 in Kano State. We remember the 630,000 lives lost to AIDS this year and pledge to continue our efforts to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare without discrimination,” Dr. Yusuf stated.
Dr. Yusuf highlighted some achievements over the past year, including legislative advancements and improved healthcare services.
“The Executive Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf signed into law a comprehensive screening law, which includes screening for HIV, Sickle Cell, Genotype, Hepatitis B and other ancillary investigation.”
“The new legislation also imposes strict penalties for stigma and discrimination against People Living with HIV (PLHIV),” he said.
“The state allocated N2 billion to the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA), a rise from N300 million in 2023.
“We have also released N124 million for the purchase of Rapid Test Kits, third-line antiretrovirals (ARVs), and the solar upgrade of KSACA offices.”
According to the commissioner, a state-of-the-art pediatric ARV/TB and cervical cancer screening center has been established at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital to provide comprehensive care for pediatric people living with HIV (PLHIV).
He further disclosed that the state has intensified efforts to ensure access to HIV prevention and treatment.
“This year alone, we conducted HIV testing for over 326,831 individuals, identifying 4,274 positives who were immediately placed on antiretroviral therapy. Presently, 32,684 people living with HIV are receiving treatment across the state.
“We’ve revitalized free HIV testing services in 592 primary healthcare facilities, all 43 public secondary facilities, and some selected private facilities across the state,”he added.
Dr. Yusuf further revealed that the state achieved a 94.3% testing rate for pregnant women attending their first antenatal visits, with only 0.07% testing positive.
“These women received proper management, ensuring their babies were born free of HIV,” Dr. Yusuf reported.
“We must continue to fight stigma and discrimination, advocate for universal healthcare access, and empower vulnerable populations. Together, we can end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030,” Dr. Yusuf concluded.
