Kano state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, has said that the state government spends over N1.2 billion annually to procure anti-malarial commodities.
He reiterated his commitment to improving the healthcare system in the state. Dr. Yusuf made these remarks during the 2024 World Malaria Day and National Safe Motherhood Day Celebration in Kano.
He stated that in Kano, malaria accounts for about 60 percent of outpatient visits and consultations.
“It is estimated that in 2023 alone, more than 3.2 million hospital visits were due to the menace of malaria, which is a preventable disease,” the commissioner said.
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Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf pointed out that anti-malarial commodities worth over 1.2 billion Naira are procured annually by the Kano state government with support from partners, and are distributed across 839 health facilities to prevent stock-outs. These commodities are issued to clients for free and have already been processed for this year to combat malaria in the state.
He added that the Kano state government is actively working to ensure maternal health in the state.
He disclosed, “To ensure good healthcare delivery for women and free medical care for children, the Kano state government has increased the allocation from 40 billion Naira to 71 billion Naira. We have sustained maternal death reviews to ascertain the actual causes of maternal and child mortality.”