By Khadija Aliyu
The Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA) has distributed HIV, Syphilis and Viral Hepatitis rapid test kits, essential drugs, and medical consumables worth ₦282 million to health facilities across the state.
The distribution exercise, held on Wednesday at the SACA premises, reflects the Kano State Government’s commitment under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to strengthening disease prevention, testing, treatment, and care services, particularly for HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and viral hepatitis.
Flagging off the exercise, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the intervention was designed to bridge gaps in testing and treatment services, especially at the grassroots.
He noted that the availability of the commodities would enhance routine screening, improve treatment outcomes, and help reduce new infections and AIDS-related deaths in the state.
He further disclosed that Kano State is pioneering a comprehensive triple elimination initiative for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis among pregnant women, with six pilot facilities providing integrated care funded by the state government.
The Commissioner commended the Director General of SACA, Dr. Usman Bashir, and his team for what he described as effective coordination and management of HIV, STIs, and viral hepatitis programmes in the state.
In his remarks, DG KSACA Dr. Bashir urged beneficiary health facilities to ensure proper utilization of the commodities and strict adherence to national guidelines.
He also acknowledged the support of development and implementing partners, reaffirming SACA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustained collaboration to ensure the effective use of the distributed items.
Representatives of the recipient health facilities expressed appreciation, noting that the supplies would improve service delivery, reduce stock-outs, and boost public confidence in testing and treatment services.
SACA is the coordinating body for the multi-sectoral response to HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, and related public health challenges in Kano State, in line with national and global health objectives.
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