The Kano State Government has enrolled more than 600 orphans and 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 on Monday at a media briefing marking the 2025 World AIDS Day, themed “Overcoming Disruptions, Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response.”
Labaran said the enrollment was implemented through the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) in partnership with development organizations. He described the commemoration as an opportunity to stand in solidarity with millions of people living with HIV globally.
“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.
He noted that the theme highlights the need for increased domestic financing as donor organizations gradually withdraw support. In response, the government expanded the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA) budget from about N300 million to N2 billion for 2025 and beyond, releasing N500 million this year alone to bridge funding gaps.
Labaran said Governor Abba Yusuf remained committed to equitable and non-discriminatory healthcare for all residents. Priority areas for 2025 include reducing stigma, improving access to care, strengthening prevention, and protecting vulnerable groups.
“The government has enacted an Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Law and expanded access to the Kano State Contributory Health Scheme (KSCHMA) for PLHIV,” he said.
Other achievements this year include provision of 24-hour solar power at the SACA office, procurement of operational vehicles, strengthening data systems, and the launch of Nigeria’s first full-scale triple elimination programme for HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis in six pilot facilities targeting pregnant women.
Labaran also announced the construction of a paediatric TB/HIV clinic at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, fully funded by the state government.
On service delivery, he said Kano conducted 607,720 HIV tests in 2025, identified 2,440 new cases, and placed 2,388 people on treatment. Currently, 37,825 people are receiving care across various health facilities.
He highlighted progress in preventing mother-to-child transmission, noting that 238,495 pregnant women were tested during their first antenatal visit, with only 34 testing positive. “These mothers were properly managed, and none transmitted HIV to their newborns,” he said.
The commissioner added that 31,277 children under 15 were tested, with 68 diagnosed positive and placed on treatment. Kano also 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 ending AIDS by 2030 and urged residents to continue supporting people living with HIV and eliminating stigma.
“We must advocate for those affected and ensure universal access to prevention, treatment, care, and support,” he said.
During a commemorative walk, KSACA Director-General Dr. Usman Bashir said the event was organized to show solidarity with people living with HIV and to remember those who had died.
“The walk brought together support groups, civil society organizations, and state ministries. Despite earlier disruptions in national funding, Kano remained stable due to its sustainability plan. HIV prevention involves more than condom use; it also includes PrEP, viral suppression, and routine screening,” he said.
