Some of the Notable Achievements of Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf

By Nabilusi Abubakar 

K/Na'isa 

Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, the Kano State Ministry of Health has recorded remarkable progress across critical areas of healthcare delivery:

1. Malaria Control

Sustained procurement and distribution of anti-malaria commodities.

Free distribution of malaria drugs across 839 health facilities, reducing stock-outs and malaria-related outpatient visits.

2. Maternal and Child Health

Significant increase in budgetary allocation for maternal and child health.

Sustained maternal death reviews to address causes of maternal and child mortality.

Launch of targeted interventions including free maternity kits for pregnant women and children under five.

Renovation and upgrading of over 200 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to ensure at least one functional PHC per ward.

3. Tuberculosis (TB) Control

Screening of over 41,000 individuals in a single TB testing week.

Placement of over 28,000 TB patients (83% coverage) on free treatment.

Expansion of 1,391 DOTS treatment sites and over 300 TB diagnostic laboratories across the state.

Kano recognized as a leading state in TB treatment coverage in Nigeria.

4. Leprosy Care

Donation of essential drugs and consumables to Yadakunya Leprosy Hospital.

Ongoing renovation and support for free treatment of leprosy patients.

5. School and Routine Health Services

Reactivation of school health services with distribution of 38,400 eyeglasses to teachers aged 40 and above.

Establishment of ABBA CARE Program providing hydroxyurea to sickle cell patients.

Introduction of the Abba Gida-Gida Diabetic Support Program, providing glucometers and diagnostic kits for children with Type 1 diabetes.

Provision of dental chairs to high-volume PHCs.

6. Nutrition and Child Welfare

Direct support to families of malnourished children during the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Week.

Strengthening of nutrition interventions in collaboration with international partners.

7. Hypertension Advocacy

Recognition as Hypertension Ambassador in 2025 under the Kano Hypertension Advocacy Initiative.

Ongoing campaigns on lifestyle changes and preventive healthcare to combat hypertension.

8. Institutional Strengthening

Establishment of the Kano Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) to enhance surveillance, prevention, and response to public health threats.

Strengthened agencies including SPHCMB, KSCHMA, PHIMA, and DMSCA with reforms and digital innovations.

9. Recognition and Awards

Recipient of the “Man of Gold Award” by Voice of Northern Nigeria Students (VONNIS).

Recipient of the Distinguished Merit Award by Arewa Students Forum (ASF).

Widely acknowledged for integrity, innovation, and transformative leadership in the health sector.