Kano State has Found 4,274 new HIV/AIDS cases over the past year, following extensive testing of 326,831 individuals across various healthcare facilities.
The initiative was conducted in 592 primary healthcare centres, 43 public secondary facilities, and select private clinics.
It has expanded the number of people receiving treatment in the state to 32,684.
Dr. Labaran Yusuf, the Kano State Commissioner for Health, who spoke at a press conference to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day, highlighted the state’s efforts in HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
“We are committed to improving healthcare access and ensuring that those living with HIV receive the care they need,” Dr. Yusuf said.
The commissioner in response to the increasing number of HIV-positive patients, noted that all 4,274 identified individuals have been placed on Antiretroviral Treatment (ART). The total number of patients currently receiving ART in Kano has now reached 32,684.
He also shared details of the state’s efforts to stop the spread of HIV, including the implementation of the pre-marital screening law. This law mandates couples to undergo testing for HIV, sickle cell, and genotype before marriage. He emphasized that 3% of the state’s health budget has been allocated to the Kano State AIDS Agency to fund HIV-related initiatives.
Dr. Yusuf renewed the state’s commitment to combating HIV-related stigma and discrimination while promoting universal access to prevention, treatment, and care in line with this year’s World AIDS Day with the theme, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”,
“We must all come together to fight against the stigma and ensure that those affected by HIV can live healthy, dignified lives,” he concluded.
