The Kano State Government has enrolled more than 600 orphans, vulnerable children (OVC) and 4,200 people living with HIV (PLHIV) into the state’s health insurance scheme to improve access to quality healthcare.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, disclosed this at a media briefing to commemorate the 2025 World AIDS Day, themed ‘Overcoming Disruptions, Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response’.
Labaran said the enrolment was carried out through the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) in collaboration with development partners.
Describing the commemoration as an opportunity to stand in solidarity with millions of people living with HIV globally, Labaran said, “For Kano State, we currently have 37,825 people living with HIV, including 4,381 children, with 551 recorded deaths so far in 2025,” he said.
The commissioner added that the theme highlighted the need for increased domestic financing for the HIV response, especially as donor organisations gradually withdraw support.
He stated that the government had responded by expanding the budget line for the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA) from approximately N300 million to N2 billion for 2025 and beyond.
“We have released about N500 million this year alone to bridge gaps created by disruptions in external funding,” he said, adding that Governor Abba Yusuf remained committed to equitable and non-discriminatory healthcare for all residents.
Labaran said the government had enacted an Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Law and expanded access to the Kano State Contributory Health Scheme (KSCHMA) for PLHIV.
According to him, other notable achievements recorded during the year include the provision of 24-hour solar power at the SACA office, the procurement of operational vehicles, the strengthening 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 paediatric TB/HIV clinic at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, funded entirely by the state government.
On service delivery, Labaran said the state conducted 607,720 HIV tests in 2025, identified 2,440 new cases and placed 2,388 people on treatment. He said 37,825 people were currently receiving care in various health facilities.
The commissioner also highlighted progress in preventing mother-to-child transmission, stating that 238,495 pregnant women were tested during their first antenatal visit, out of which only 34 tested positive.
“These mothers were properly managed, and none transmitted HIV to their newborns,” he said.
He added that 31,277 children under 15 were tested, with 68 found positive and placed on treatment.
According to him, Kano conducted the highest number of early infant diagnosis tests in the country this year using the M-PIMA machine.
Labaran reaffirmed the state’s commitment to achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 and urged residents to continue supporting people living with HIV and to help eliminate stigma.
“We must continue to advocate for those affected and ensure universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support,” he said.
In his remarks during a commemorative walk, the Director-General of KSACA, Dr Usman Bashir, said the event was organised to show solidarity with people living with HIV and remember those who had died.
“We are here to commemorate World AIDS Day and to show love to people living with HIV,” he said, adding that the walk brought together support groups, civil society organisations and state ministries.
NAN