The Kano State Government has reinforced its commitment to safeguarding public health with the inauguration of the State One Health Technical Committee (SOHTC).
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Musa Tanko, Press Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The committee members were sworn in by the SSG, Umar Ibrahim, on behalf of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Housed under the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), the SOHTC will supervise and coordinate the activities of the State One Health Coordination Unit.
The inauguration follows the recent establishment of the State One Health Steering Committee (SOHSC), which laid the foundation for an integrated health-care approach covering human, animal and environmental health.
The SOHTC is mandated to work with development partners to prevent and contain disease outbreaks, enhance emergency preparedness and response, and promote inter-ministerial collaboration across the state.
Its responsibilities also include advocating adequate funding for One Health initiatives, implementing and reviewing integrated One Health plans, and ensuring seamless coordination among relevant stakeholders.
In his remarks, Ibrahim emphasized the administration’s strong prioritization of citizens’ health and expressed confidence in the competence and dedication of the committee members.
He urged them to maintain regular communication with the SOHSC through periodic reports and to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration in managing public-health emergencies.
The SSG also called for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among implementing ministries, departments and agencies to serve as the operational framework for the State One Health Coordination Unit.
The committee comprises senior officials from key ministries, agencies and partner organizations, with the Director of One Health Coordination at KNCDC serving as chairman.
Other members include the Director, Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, SMLD (Co-Chairman); Director, Surveillance and Epidemiology, SMLD; Director, Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, KNCDC; Director, Public Health Laboratory Services, KNCDC; Director, Disease Control and Immunization, SPHCMB; and the Director, Public Health and Disease Control, SMOH, among others.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the Chairman thanked Gov. Yusuf for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to utilize their collective expertise to ensure successful implementation of the assignment. He also appealed for public support and prayers as the committee begins its work.
