Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality across the state.
The governor made this declaration on Monday while launching the second phase of the 2024 Maternal and Neonatal Health (MNCH) Week at Kumbotso in Kumbotso Local Government Area.
Speaking through his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, Gov. Yusuf highlighted the reinstatement of routine immunisation services, which had been suspended for 18 months under the previous administration.
“From the start of his tenure in 2023, Gov. Yusuf prioritised maternal and child health, expressing grave concern over the suspension of immunisation programmes by the former government,” Bature stated.
To ensure sustainability and accessibility, the governor has directed the immediate restoration of these essential services and committed to timely funding for all immunisation exercises at both the state and federal levels.
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“Health is our second priority after education,” the governor noted, emphasizing his administration’s focus on maternal and child health to prevent avoidable loss of lives among pregnant women and their children.
The 2024 Kano State budget includes significant allocations for immunisation services, reflecting the administration’s resolve to address pressing healthcare challenges and improve the lives of the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the state government as part of its healthcare reform initiatives, will inaugurate a state-of-the-art clinic dedicated to providing free and comprehensive care for patients living with sickle cell disease.
According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, the specialised facility, located at the Murtala Muhammad Specialists Hospital, will offer a range of free services, including diagnosis, consultations, medication, and surgical operations.
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The governor has also signed a groundbreaking premarital health screening bill into law. The law prohibits marriages between intending couples with similar genotypes, a measure aimed at preventing the birth of children with sickle cell anaemia.
Dr. Labaran described the initiative as a proactive step to tackle the root causes of the disease while ensuring care and support for those already affected.
“This special care centre is a testament to the governor’s determination to provide relief and hope for victims of sickle cell anaemia while fostering a healthier future for Kano State residents,” the commissioner added.