From: Mahmoud Muhammad Kano
Kano State has reported 551 deaths linked to HIV this year, highlighting the ongoing challenges in managing the epidemic despite strengthened healthcare interventions.
The state joined global celebrations of World AIDS Day under the theme, “Overcoming Disruptions, Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response.” The event brought together the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, heads of agencies, directors from ministries and MDAs, representatives of NACA and NASCP Zonal Offices, leadership of NEPHWAN, GGHN, other community- and civil-society organizations, as well as staff of the Ministry and media personnel.
Kano currently has 37,825 people living with HIV, including 4,381 children. Governor Engr. Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has ensured increased funding for HIV initiatives, raising the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA) budget from 300 million naira to 2 billion naira for 2025 and 2026, with 500 million naira already released this year to mitigate disruptions from previous funding withdrawals.
Over the past year, the state has achieved several milestones. These include 24-hour solar-powered electricity at KSACA, operational vehicles with internet and data tools, support supervision across 43 comprehensive HIV sites, the introduction of triple elimination of HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis in six pilot facilities for pregnant women, and a state-of-the-art paediatric TB/HIV clinic at MMSH.
Healthcare enrollment has been strengthened through the Kano State Health Contributory Scheme (KSHCMA), covering over 4,200 people living with HIV and 600 orphaned and vulnerable children. Free HIV testing continues at 592 primary healthcare facilities, 43 comprehensive sites, public secondary facilities, and selected private hospitals. So far in 2025, 607,720 people have been tested, identifying 2,440 positives, with 2,388 starting antiretroviral treatment.
Efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission remain a priority. Of 238,495 pregnant women tested during their first antenatal visit, only 34 were HIV positive and managed to prevent transmission to their newborns. Children under 15 years were also tested, with 68 receiving treatment, including 18 through early infant diagnosis using M-PIMA machines, the highest in the country.
As Kano marks World AIDS Day, health authorities reaffirm their commitment to overcoming disruptions in HIV services, combating stigma and discrimination, and ensuring universal access to prevention, treatment, and care. The state urges all stakeholders to continue advocacy and support in the fight to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.
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