Kano State and World Bank Invest ₦24 Billion to Transform Primary Healthcare System
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| Abba Kabir Yusuf |
In a bold move to revamp its grassroots healthcare infrastructure, the Kano State Government has partnered with the World Bank to commit over ₦24 billion towards upgrading Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state's 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
This ambitious investment falls under the IMPACT Project — Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services — and aims to significantly boost maternal and child healthcare services in underserved rural communities.
Healthcare Overhaul Begins in Takai LGA
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony held in Takai Local Government Area, the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, emphasized that the intervention is part of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's strategic vision to rebuild the state’s primary healthcare foundation.
“This collaboration with the World Bank under the IMPACT Project reflects His Excellency’s commitment to delivering grassroots health solutions that are people-focused and sustainable,” said Dr. Yusuf.
To kickstart the implementation, the commissioner launched the construction of staff quarters at the Durbunde Primary Health Centre, an initiative designed to attract and retain medical personnel in rural areas and ensure round-the-clock service delivery.
Free Maternal Care and Expanded Services
Dr. Yusuf also unveiled a massive distribution program aimed at supporting pregnant women across the state:
- 25,000 to 30,000 antenatal kits distributed monthly
- 6,000 delivery kits, including 500 Caesarean Section kits, provided free of charge
- Routine free screenings for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, and sickle cell disease
These efforts are aligned with state legislation that mandates prenatal and premarital testing, designed to prevent maternal mortality and transmission of preventable diseases to newborns.
Read also: How to Access Free Antenatal Care in Nigeria
UNICEF Partnership: Tackling Malnutrition
In a related development at the same event, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf launched the distribution of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. This forms part of a ₦1 billion collaboration between the Kano State Government and UNICEF.
“This partnership addresses a major health crisis that silently affects thousands of children annually,” the commissioner stated.
Renovation of 191 PHCs Underway
Further cementing the administration’s commitment, Dr. Yusuf announced that renovation work has already commenced on 191 PHCs across all 44 LGAs in Kano.
“This scale of investment sends a clear message: this government is rebuilding healthcare from the ground up,” he affirmed.
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Why This Matters
- Boosts rural access to essential health services
- Strengthens maternal and child health programs
- Promotes the retention of healthcare workers in remote areas
- Improves immunisation coverage through consistent funding
This development positions Kano as a leading example of how state–global partnerships can effectively transform healthcare systems in Nigeria.
Stay Informed
For real-time updates on the IMPACT Project, healthcare reforms, and government partnerships in Kano and beyond, subscribe to Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria or follow Kano State’s official health updates page.
