SWATCH Urges increase 5% Healthcare Facilities for Children with Advanced HIV in Kano
By Hannatu Suleiman Abba
The Support for Women and Teenage Children (SWATCH) project lead under IMPAACT4HIV, Hajiya Farida Azira Abdul Malik PhD, has called for an increase in healthcare facilities catering to children with Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) in Kano State.
Children with Advanced HIV Disease often require specialized care and treatment to survive and live healthy lives.
Dr. Farida made the appeal during a two-day training for healthcare providers and caregivers on HIV management, held on September 4, 2025, at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano.
According to her, the IMPAACT4HIV project aims to achieve at least a 5% increase in facilities providing AHD services in Kano, in addition to the existing five facilities currently offering such care.
She noted that the present facilities—Sir Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Sheikh Khalifa Isyaka Rabiu Pediatric Hospital, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital—are concentrated in the central district, leaving children in Kano North and South senatorial districts underserved
“with the population of Kano , the few facilities for the services are inadequate to meet the needs of AHD children across the state.
SWATCH seek For more facilities established in the northern and southern districts,” Dr. Farida emphasized.
She further explained that, the project’s objectives include raising awareness of AHD services among caregivers, building the capacity of healthcare providers, and delivering patient-centered, adolescent-friendly HIV care.
The program also aims to increase uptake of AHD services, correct misconceptions, and combat stigma and discrimination that hinder access to treatment.
Dr. Farida also indicated the recent policy shift by the United States government on HIV AIDS support has begun winding down HIV/AIDS funding through USAID in Nigeria.
“With the withdrawal of donor support, it has become even more urgent for the Nigerian government to take ownership and invest in a sustainable approach to HIV/AIDS care especially children with advanced HIV .
In her presentation the Kano State AIDS Program Coordinator, Dr. Umma Abubakar Isah said, the state government has been working closely with international and local partners to ensure people living with HIV receive proper care without discrimination.
However, myths and harmful cultural beliefs about HIV/AIDS—particularly among children remain a major obstacle for effective healthcare services.
In our capacity, we are intensifying public enlightenment to debunk these misconceptions as Early diagnosis is key to preventing severe complications among children with HIV/AIDS,” Dr. Umma stated.
Both speakers stressed that expanding facilities, tackling stigma, and improving knowledge among caregivers and communities will be vital to improving the quality of life for children with AHD in Kano.
