World AIDS Day: “We must sustain HIV response despite funding disruptions” — Kano Govt

The Kano State Government says it has strengthened its HIV response despite global funding disruptions, with increased budgetary allocation, expanded access to healthcare, and major infrastructural upgrades across HIV service centres.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, disclosed this during a media briefing on Monday as the state marked the 2025 World AIDS Day, themed “Overcoming Disruptions, Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response.”

Speaking at the event, the commissioner said the day was an opportunity to stand in solidarity with millions of people living with HIV across the world.

He noted that global statistics show 40.8 million people living with HIV, including 1.4 million children, while Nigeria accounts for 2.1 million cases, with 160,000 of them being children.

“For Kano State, we currently have 37,825 people living with HIV, including 4,381 children, with 551 recorded deaths so far in 2025,” Yusuf said.

The commissioner explained that the theme of this year’s commemoration underscores the need for government at all levels to sustain HIV funding, especially with donor organisations gradually withdrawing support.

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He said the Kano State Government responded by expanding the budget line for the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA) from about N300 million to N2 billion for this year and next.

“We have already released about N500 million this year alone to bridge gaps caused by disruptions in external funding,” he said, noting that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is committed to ensuring equitable and non-discriminatory access to healthcare for all residents.

Yusuf outlined the state’s priority areas for 2025, including reducing stigma, improving access to care, strengthening prevention, and protecting vulnerable populations.

He explained that the government has enacted an Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Law and expanded access to the Kano State Contributory Health Scheme (KSCHMA) for people living with HIV.

According to him, over the past year, the state recorded major milestones such as the provision of 24-hour solar power at the SACA office, procurement of new operational vehicles, improvement of data systems, and the launch of Nigeria’s first full-scale triple elimination programme for HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis in six pilot facilities.

“This is the first initiative of its kind in the country, targeting pregnant women attending antenatal care,” he said.

He also announced the construction of a new paediatric TB/HIV clinic at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, fully funded from the state budget.

In terms of direct service delivery, Yusuf said the state conducted 607,720 HIV tests this year, identified 2,440 new cases, and placed 2,388 people on treatment.

He added that 37,825 people are currently receiving care at various facilities across the state.

The commissioner also highlighted progress in preventing mother-to-child transmission, saying 238,495 pregnant women were tested during their first antenatal visit, with only 34 found positive.

“These mothers were properly managed, and none transmitted HIV to their newborns,” he said.

He added that 31,277 children under 15 were also tested, out of which 68 tested positive and were placed on treatment.

He explained that the state conducted the highest number of early infant diagnosis tests in the country this year, using the M-PIMA machine.

Yusuf further stated that over 600 orphans and vulnerable children and 4,200 people living with HIV have been enrolled into the state’s health insurance scheme, with coverage provided by the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) in partnership with development partners.

As the world marks AIDS Day, the commissioner said Kano remains resolute in pursuing the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

He urged residents to continue supporting affected persons and to help eliminate stigma.

He further added that, “We must continue to advocate for those affected and ensure universal access to prevention, treatment, care, and support.

“Together, we can overcome disruptions and sustain a resilient HIV response for Kano and for Nigeria,” he stated.

SolaceBase reports that the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA) initially commemorated World AIDS Day 2025 with a walk from Government House Roundabout through Lodge Road to Muhammadu Abdullahi Wase Hospital.

Speaking during the commemorative walk, the Director General of the agency, Dr. Usman Bashir, stated that the event was organised to show solidarity with people living with HIV and to remember those who have passed away.

“We are here to commemorate World AIDS Day and to show love to people living with HIV,” he said, noting that the walk brought together support groups, civil society organisations, and various state ministries.

Dr. Bashir added that despite national disruptions in funding earlier this year, Kano remained stable due to the state’s ongoing sustainability plan and that HIV prevention efforts go beyond condom use, including PrEP, viral suppression, and routine screening.