Kano Delegation Arrives Denmark for World Congress of Pharmacists to Champion Global Health and Pharmaceutical Excellence

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The Director-General Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency Pharm. Gali Sule, FPSN, and other delegation from across the country, has officially arrived Denmark to participate in the highly anticipated 83rd World Congress of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Sciences, bringing with them a strong commitment to advancing pharmaceutical practice, healthcare innovation, and international collaboration.

Organized by the Federation of International Pharmacists, this year's conference, titled Copenhagen 2025 FIP World Congress, is taking place between 31 August and 3rd September 2025. The theme of the event is Pharmacy forward: Performance, Collaboration, and Health Transformation.

Shading more light on the congress, Pharm. Sule said the program "aims to explore the evolving role of the pharmacy profession in the context of modern healthcare challenges. It will also explore how pharmacists can drive forward the performance of healthcare systems, foster meaningful collaboration across sectors, and catalyze transformative changes in health outcomes globally."

Speaking on the benefits Kano State stands to gain from the conference, Pharm. Gali Sule stated: "We are honored to represent Kano State, in particular, and Nigeria, in general, at this global gathering of pharmacy leaders. Our participation underscores the importance of strengthening healthcare systems through pharmaceutical advancement, and we are here to collaborate, learn, and contribute meaningfully to the global health agenda.

"The participation of Kano in this year’s Congress reflects the state's ongoing efforts, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to elevate pharmaceutical standards, invest in local capacity, and build resilient health systems in alignment with the World Health Organization’s goals," Pharm. Sule observed.

One of the attendees of the conference from Kano State, Pharm. Tukur Ibrahim, who is also the Director Drugs and Supply at DMCSA, said the presence of Kano delegation, led by Pharm. Gali Sule to Copenhagen marks a significant step in showcasing Kano's growing contributions to national and global pharmaceutical development and public health solutions.

The Kano team is expected to take part in high-level discussions,, and policy sessions focusing on drug accessibility, digital health, and pharmaceutical education, at the Congress, which gathers pharmacy professionals from all over the world,

Kano State Advances Nutrition Agenda with MMS Roadmap 2025–2029 Workshop

By Newsdesk

The Kano State Ministry of Health has continued to demonstrate its strong commitment to tackling malnutrition with the successful commencement of Day 3 of the Development and Costing Workshop for the State-Level Rollout and Scale-up of the Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) Roadmap 2025–2029.

The workshop, chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, brought together government officials, health experts, development partners, and civil society organizations to deliberate on strategic approaches that will improve nutrition outcomes, especially for women and children across Kano State.

The main goal of the workshop, according to a press statement issued by Nabilusi Abubakar Kofar-Na’isa, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, is to support Kano State in adapting Nigeria’s National MMS Roadmap (2025–2029) to its unique realities and to develop a costed implementation plan that aligns with the state’s priorities, systems, and financing opportunities. Participants are working to ensure the roadmap is practical, affordable, and sustainable for long-term impact.

Key discussions on Day 3 focused on three critical areas: refining strategies for MMS rollout, carrying out cost-effectiveness analysis to strengthen funding opportunities, and mapping the roles and responsibilities of government agencies and partners for effective coordination and accountability.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf stressed the importance of collaboration, noting that the MMS program must be embraced by all stakeholders. “The implementation of the MMS program is not just a government initiative but a collective responsibility. By working together, we can create a sustainable framework that supports the nutritional needs of our people for generations to come,” he said.

The MMS Roadmap 2025–2029 sets out clear objectives: to increase access to supplements for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young children; improve public awareness on the importance of micronutrients; reduce deficiencies such as iron, vitamin A, and iodine; and strengthen healthcare systems to deliver services at the community level.

This initiative, supported by the Kano State Government in collaboration with international partners and local health organizations, is expected to make a significant contribution to Nigeria’s national nutrition targets and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in eradicating hunger and ensuring good health and well-being.

Kano Health Ministry, FCDO Lafiya Organize Workshop to Review DRF Pricing Policy

By Farouk Isa Musa 

To reflect the current realities as in line with global best practices, the Kano State Ministry of Health, through the Sustainable Health Commodity Supply System Committee (SHCSS C), in collaboration with the UK Government's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) Lafiya Programme, has organized a pivotal workshop aimed at reviewing the current Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Pricing Policy. 

The DRF is a critical financing mechanism designed to ensure the sustainable availability of essential medicines through a cost-recovery system. However, changing economic conditions, inflationary trends, and supply chain challenges have necessitated a comprehensive review of the existing pricing framework.

Declaring the workshop opened, Pharm. Aminu Bashir, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, who was represented by Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad, the Director-General State Primary Health Care Management Board, spoke extensively on the significance of the DRF scheme and the need for reviewing pricing policy, noting that the DRF has long served as a critical mechanism for ensuring the continuous availability of affordable, quality-assured medicines at public health facilities.

"This review workshop is timely, and it has presented us, the participants, with a valuable opportunity to examine the current pricing policy in depth and collectively chart a path forward," the Permanent Secretary said.

"As with all policies and systems, it is essential that we periodically review and refine our approaches to reflect changing realities —be they are economic, logistical, or epidemiological."

He then challenged the participants to bring their expertise, experience, and insights to the table, "Whether you are a health practitioner, a pharmacist, a partner, or a supply chain specialist, your voice is crucial to the success of this review meeting. Let us approach our task with a shared sense of purpose: to develop a pricing policy that is fair, realistic, and aligned with our broader goal of universal health coverage."

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director-General Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency Pharm. Gali Sule explained that the workshop offers the participants a timely opportunity to assess the current pricing framework, identify gaps, share lessons, and collaboratively develop recommendations that will better align the policy with the health system goals and the needs of the citizens of Kano State.

Pharm. Gali Sule maintained that the Drug Revolving Fund is crucial in maintaining the availability of affordable, good-quality medicines across the state-owned healthcare facilities, lamenting that the evolving economic conditions, supply chain challenges, and the need for improved equity and efficiency have brought the DRF pricing policy under necessary scrutiny.

He further observed that the convergence of key stakeholders from relevant government agencies, health facilities, development partners, and community representatives —demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening the sustainability, transparency, and impact of the DRF in ensuring continuous access to essential medicines.

"We encourage open and honest dialogue throughout this session. Your insights, experiences, and technical contributions will be invaluable in shaping a more responsive, transparent, and sustainable DRF pricing model," Pharm. Gali Sule told the participants.

Speaking on the objectives of meeting, Pharm. Kamilu Mudi Salisu, the Director Pharmaceutical Services at the Ministry of Health, said reviewing the DRF pricing policy is essential to protect access to affordable medicines while maintaining the financial sustainability of the fund, adding that the workshop is also an opportunity to align on a pricing strategy that serves the needs of patients and the health system alike.

According to Pharm. Kamilu Mudi, who is also the Chairman SHCSS-C, the meeting would attempt to review the current DRF pricing structure and identify existing gaps, to evaluate the impact of current pricing on drug availability and affordability, and explore global best practices in pricing models for sustainable DRFs.

"The objectives of the workshop are, one, to understand the concept of DRF Pricing Policy for sustainability; two, to update stakeholders on Intergrated Health Commodity Supply and Last-Mile delivery; and, lastly, to review DRF Pricing Policy," the Director Pharmaceutical Services stated.

Delivering a goodwill message, Alh. Abdulkadir Salisu Kabara, the State Team Lead FCDO Lafiya Programme in Kano, commended the initiative of the state to review the DRF pricing policy and called on the participants to engage in data-driven discussions and shared evidence-based recommendations to ensure the DRF pricing structure remains equitable, transparent, and sustainable.

The FCDO State Team Lead further expressed his optimism that the outcomes from the workshop will help in developing actionable recommendations for a revised pricing framework, inform policy reforms, and contribute to strengthening the overall efficiency and transparency of the Drug Revolving Fund system in Kano State.

The workshop, held between 24th and 25th August 2025 at Bafra International Hotels Kaduna, brought together key stakeholders in the health sector, including top officials from the state Ministry of Health, relevant agencies under the ministry, healthcare facilities, donor partners, health financing experts, representatives of community-based organizations and the workshop resource person Pharm. Ali Adamu who is also an expert in the health supply chain, Victoria Aguomo the State Coordinator of Nutrition International, and Amos Gwazalyen, the State Lead of Capacity for Sustainable Development (C4SD).

Kano Health Commissioner Dr. Labaran Chairs Meeting on Strengthening Health Sector Publicity

By Editor 

In a decisive move to restrategize and improve the information dessimination and publicizing the activities carried out in the health sector in Kano State, the Ministry of Health has organized a strategic, high-level meeting held Friday at Emergency Operations Center, Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital in the metropolis.

The meeting, chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf brought together all Public Relations Officers (PROs), Senior Special Reporters (SSRs), Special Reporters (SRs) working under rhe ministry and its agencies. 

The session focused on reviewing existing communication strategies, identifying gaps, and adopting new approaches to enhance health awareness and information dissemination, as contained in a press statement issued by Aminu Ahmad Turaki, the Public Relations Officer of Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency.

Addressing the participants, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf underscored the critical role of effective communication in advancing the state’s health agenda. He urged participants to work collaboratively to ensure clear, consistent, and impactful messaging across all health programmes.

Some of the key decisions taken during the meeting include establishing a central coordination desk for health publicity, developing a strategic publicity framework covering all health campaigns, and strengthening collaboration between PROs, SSRs, and SRs for disseminating unified messages.

Other major highlights of the are expanding the use of both digital platforms and traditional media to reach wider audiences, enhancing community engagement strategies with culturally relevant messages, as well as introducing periodic capacity-building and review sessions for communication officers.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to reinforce health publicity in Kano State, ensuring that residents are well-informed and empowered to participate actively in health initiatives.

“Our goal is to ensure that no community is left behind in accessing vital health information. Effective communication is the bridge between policy and the people, and together we will continue to strengthen that bridge for the benefit of all Kano residents,” Dr. Yusuf stressed.

In attendance at the meeting, include the Director-General Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) Pharm. Gali Sule, Director-General State Primary Health Care Management Board Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad, Executive Secretary Hospital Management Board (HMB) Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda and his counterpart of Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen.

Other agency chiefs at the meeting are the Executive Secretary of Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) Dr. Rahila Aliyu Mukhtar, as well the Director-Generals of Kano State Agency for Control of Aids (KSACA) Dr. Usman Bashir, Kano State Center for Disease Control (KNCDC) Prof. Muhammad Abbas, and that of Private Health Institutions Management Agency (PHIMA) Dr. Muhammad Nasir Mahmoud

PSN Visits Kano SSG, Appreciates Government's Support

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The National President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim has, on Wednesday 30th July 2025, led the executive members of the association on a courtesy visit to the Kano Secretary to the State Government Alh. Umar Farouk Ibrahim.

Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Pharm. Ibrahim said they were at the SSG's office to inform him about the PSN's planned annual national conference tagged 'Dabo 2025' which is scheduled to take place in November in Kano, and to also expressed their profound gratitude to the Kano State Government for supporting the association.

Pharm. Ibrahim added that the courtesy call is part of the PSN's efforts to further deepen the collaboration with Kano State Government, which is aimed at strategically enhancing access to quality medicines and strengthening healthcare delivery systems in the state.

The president further emphasized the critical role pharmacists play in achieving universal health coverage, ensuring drug safety, and supporting public health initiatives.

"This visit is aimed at reinforcing cooperation between the Kano State Government and the PSN. We are here not only to pay our respects to the SSG but to also seek stronger collaboration in areas that directly impact the lives of our people,” the President clarified. “Our pharmacists are on the frontlines of healthcare, and with the government’s support, we can do even more to improve outcomes and access to safe medications.”

Responding, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alh. Umar Farouk Ibrahim commended the PSN for its unwavering dedication to public health and pledged the government's commitment to enhancing the pharmacy profession's role within the state’s health architecture.

“We recognize the value your profession brings to our healthcare system, and we are open to working closely with you to ensure quality healthcare delivery for all citizens,” 

He then assured the leaders of the professional association of continued support and cooperation of the Kano State Government to transform the pharmaceutical sector for the betterment of the pharmacy profession and the residents of the state.

During the visit, the PSN President was together with all national executive members and was also accompanied by the Director-General of Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Pharm. Gali Sule, the Director Pharmaceutical Services Kano State Ministry of Health Pharm. Kamilu Mudi Salisu, as well as the executives of PSN Kano State Chapter, led by its Chairman Dr. Murtala Isa Umar.

The PSN’s visit mark a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward a more efficient and reliable healthcare system.

The PSN is the umbrella body for all registered pharmacists in Nigeria. It was established in 1927 and is a professional organization that aims to promote and maintain high standards of pharmaceutical practice in the country. The PSN also works to advocate for the welfare of pharmacists and the advancement of the pharmacy profession in Nigeria.