Kano targets preventable diseases, launches SARMAAN II

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating preventable diseases and expanding access to quality healthcare as it commemorated World Cancer Day, World Leprosy Day and World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day, alongside a public briefing on the second round of the SARMAAN II mass drug administration.

SolaceBase reports that the commitment was restated on Saturday during a media briefing addressed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, with senior government officials, development partners and members of the media in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Dr Yusuf said the convergence of the three global health observances was deliberate, noting that they all highlight diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.

He explained that the gathering reflected the state’s resolve to prioritise prevention, early detection and equitable access to healthcare in line with national and global health goals.

“We chose to mark the three days together because they are closely linked by purpose and timing, and they all remind us that preventable and treatable diseases still pose serious threats to our people,” the commissioner said.

He said World NTDs Day is marked annually on January 30, World Leprosy Day on the last Sunday of January and World Cancer Day on February 4, adding that the 2026 themes — Unite, Act and Eliminate for NTDs, Leprosy is Curable, the Real Challenge is Stigma and Close the Gap for cancer — align with the vision of the Kano State Government to protect the dignity of every citizen and ensure no one is left behind.

According to him, neglected tropical diseases thrive in conditions of poverty, poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare, with priority diseases in the state including onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths and trachoma.

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He noted that although there are about 13 NTDs globally, those prevalent in Kano have significant implications for health, education and economic productivity.

Dr. Yusuf disclosed that in 2025 alone, the state detected and successfully treated 319 leprosy cases with zero mortality, a development he described as evidence of effective surveillance and early treatment.

“Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae and affects the skin and peripheral nerves, but with early diagnosis and treatment, it is completely curable,” he said.

On cancer, the commissioner said the disease goes beyond being a medical condition to constitute a social and economic burden.

He revealed that between January and September 2025, the state’s cancer centre managed 444 cases, with cervical cancer accounting for 13.3 per cent and breast cancer 10.3 per cent, underscoring the urgent need for screening, prevention and early intervention.

Highlighting achievements recorded under the current administration, Dr. Yusuf said over 4.7 million residents had benefited from mass drug administration campaigns targeting NTDs, while a statewide schistosomiasis campaign was conducted in 2025 with more than N300 million provided by the state government.

He added that the Leprosy Hospital in Yadakunya had undergone significant renovation for the first time in years, while over 90,000 free spectacles and reading glasses had been distributed to residents.

He also said more than 120 healthcare workers were trained on active cancer case finding and referral, as well as on paediatric, diabetes and sickle cell disease detection.

The commissioner further disclosed that 50,000 beneficiaries had received glucometers for free diabetes screening and that the state had successfully revitalised its school health services programme.

He explained that although the programme was established in 1989 and expanded in 2003, it suffered years of neglect before being reactivated in May 2025.

“Today’s second batch procurement and distribution of 29 essential school health commodities demonstrates our resolve to scale these services to all 22,398 public schools across Kano State, to ensure healthier children and better learning outcomes,” he said.

Dr. Yusuf also announced the commencement of the second round of the SARMAAN II mass drug administration, describing it as a critical child survival intervention targeting children aged one to 59 months through the administration of azithromycin.

He said the programme aims to reduce childhood mortality, prevent common infectious diseases and strengthen community-based primary healthcare delivery.

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He noted that the first round of SARMAAN II reached over 1.49 million children, representing 93 per cent coverage across the state, and stressed that the programme is being implemented with strict safety protocols, pharmacovigilance, community engagement and real-time monitoring.

“Let me emphasize clearly, SARMAAN II is safe, scientifically proven and implemented in line with national and international guidelines, with the wellbeing of our children as our topmost priority,” the commissioner said.

He attributed the recorded gains to the political will and leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, whom he said has consistently prioritised the health of women, children and vulnerable groups through free essential health services, including maternal and child healthcare, malaria treatment, HIV, tuberculosis, leprosy and NTD services, as well as support for cancer, sickle cell and diabetes patients.

Dr. Yusuf also commended development partners, traditional and religious leaders and the media for their continued support, describing them as key allies in advancing public health advocacy in the state.

“Kano State stands firmly committed to eliminating preventable diseases, closing care gaps, ending stigma and safeguarding the health and dignity of every citizen,” he said, calling on stakeholders to “unite, act and eliminate” for a healthier and more prosperous state.