By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman
In the bustling city-state of Kano, a silent revolution is taking place – one that may not capture the headlines every day, but which is certainly transforming the lives of countless residents.
At the heart of this change is the state governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose tireless focus on the health and welfare of Kano’s most vulnerable population has started to yield tangible, life-saving results.
When Governor Yusuf assumed office in May 2023, one of the first areas he addressed was the health sector, which had been severely neglected in the previous administration. Topmost among his priorities was the reinstatement of routine immunization services that had been abandoned for 18 months under the previous leadership.
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This was not just a bureaucratic fix, but a critical step towards safeguarding the lives of newborns, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups who had been left exposed to preventable diseases.
The restoration of immunization services was, therefore, an immediate response to a looming crisis and a clear signal of the governor’s commitment to maternal and child health.
In addition to reviving routine healthcare services, Governor Yusuf also recognized the need for more infrastructure to support the state’s health system.
For instance, during the re-commissioning of the 86-bed Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital, he declared free maternal healthcare services across the state.
The Hasiya Bayero Hospital, named after the mother of the late Emir of Kano, had been allegedly sold under the previous administration, despite consistent denials from the former government. Governor Yusuf lamented the hardship caused by the hospital’s closure, noting that it had forced Kano residents to seek paediatric care elsewhere at unaffordable costs.
Moreover, Governor Yusuf made it clear that his administration was committed to restoring the hospital’s services. “Our administration is dedicated to providing all the necessary support for a quality healthcare system in the state, including free maternal healthcare services,” he declared while commissioning the hospital.
Additionally, he emphasized that the hospital would offer nutritional services, immunization, research and training, and two-way referral services.
This commitment forms part of his broader plan to reduce high neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality rates, an issue that has plagued the state for years.
Furthermore, he underscored the importance of redeploying skilled medical personnel to run the hospital efficiently, reinforcing his government’s focus on health worker dedication and professional ethics.
In terms of healthcare infrastructure, Governor Yusuf’s focus is not limited to hospitals alone. As part of his digitalization agenda, he recently distributed 484 computers to the Apex Primary Healthcare Centres across all 44 local government areas.
This move is part of a larger initiative to ensure the efficient operation of healthcare facilities through technological upgrades, as well as a commitment to renovating several major hospitals, including Sir Muhammadu Sanusi, Hasiya Bayero, and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. Additionally, solar facilities were provided to key offices to ensure uninterrupted services.
This comprehensive upgrade of the healthcare infrastructure aims to ensure that every resident, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to affordable and quality healthcare.
As a result, Governor Yusuf’s administration has allocated substantial funds in the 2025 budget to continue this renovation work, targeting hundreds of secondary and primary healthcare facilities across the state.
Furthermore, Governor Yusuf’s health-focused vision also tackles another major issue facing Kano State: malnutrition. As part of his efforts to improve maternal and child health, the Governor committed N500 million in counterpart funding to UNICEF for nutrition initiatives. Furthermore, during the flag-off of the second Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week, he announced an additional N170 million to renovate and upgrade malnutrition treatment and referral centres.
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These funds, alongside other initiatives such as the provision of essential healthcare services during MNCH Week, are part of the Governor’s broader strategy to combat child killer diseases and improve access to life-saving healthcare services.
In addition, Governor Yusuf’s commitment to improving the health of Kano’s children is also reflected in his efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality, foster sustainable development, and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all residents.
This continued investment in the health sector highlights the state government’s dedication to addressing critical health challenges and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.
Beyond infrastructure and immediate healthcare services, Governor Yusuf’s administration has launched the Abba Care Initiative, a free health insurance program aimed at over 300,000 vulnerable residents, including pregnant women, the elderly, and people living with sickle cell anaemia.
This bold program is a key component of his effort to achieve universal healthcare coverage and make quality health services available to all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status. In this regard, the Abba Care Initiative, backed by the Kano State Contributory Health Management Agency, represents a transformative step towards creating a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for the people of Kano.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s quiet yet powerful leadership is remaking the health landscape of Kano.
His administration’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access for the state’s most vulnerable populations underscores a deep understanding of what it means to govern with compassion, vision and urgency.
Notably, the Governor’s efforts in addressing health issues such as immunization, sickle cell anaemia, malnutrition, and maternal and child health not only respond to immediate challenges but also lay the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous future for all residents of Kano State. His legacy of service to the people, with a focus on healthcare, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact for generations to come.
Governor Yusuf’s work represents more than just reforms – it marks a true revolution in the healthcare sector that will resonate across the state, benefiting not just the current generation, but future generations as well. Ultimately, his leadership offers a model of governance that prioritizes the well-being of the people and is poised to transform Kano into a healthier, more equitable society.
#AbbaIsWorking
Ibrahim is with the Triumph and can be reached at Hussainiibrahim470@gmail.com
09065350001