Kano State has enrolled more than 600 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and 4,200 people living with HIV (PLHIV) into its health insurance scheme to improve access to quality healthcare.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, disclosed this at a media briefing on Monday marking the 2025 World AIDS Day, themed “Overcoming Disruptions, Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response.” He said the enrolment was implemented through the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) in collaboration with development partners.
“For Kano State, we currently have 37,825 people living with HIV, including 4,381 children, with 551 recorded deaths so far in 2025,” Labaran said. He emphasized that the theme underscores the need for increased domestic financing for HIV response as donor support gradually declines.
In response, the government expanded the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA) budget from about N300 million to N2 billion for 2025 and beyond. “We have released about N500 million this year alone to bridge gaps caused by disruptions in external funding,” Labaran added.
The commissioner highlighted key priority areas for 2025: reducing stigma, improving access to care, strengthening prevention, and protecting vulnerable groups. Achievements this year include the enactment of an Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Law, expansion of the Kano State Contributory Health Scheme (KSCHMA) for PLHIV, provision of 24-hour solar power at the SACA office, procurement of operational vehicles, strengthening of data systems, and the launch of Nigeria’s first full-scale triple elimination programme for HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis in six pilot facilities targeting pregnant women.
Labaran also announced the construction of a paediatric TB/HIV clinic at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, fully funded by the state government.
On service delivery, the state conducted 607,720 HIV tests in 2025, identified 2,440 new cases, and placed 2,388 people on treatment. Currently, 37,825 people are receiving care in various health facilities.
The commissioner reported progress in preventing mother-to-child transmission, with 238,495 pregnant women tested during their first antenatal visit; only 34 tested positive, all of whom received proper care, preventing transmission to their newborns. Additionally, 31,277 children under 15 were tested, with 68 placed on treatment. Kano also led the country in early infant diagnosis tests using the M-PIMA machine.
Labaran reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ending AIDS by 2030 and urged residents to continue supporting PLHIV and eliminating stigma.
Speaking during a commemorative walk, KSACA Director-General Dr. Usman Bashir said the event aimed to show solidarity with PLHIV and remember those who had died. He noted that despite disruptions in national funding, Kano’s sustainability plan ensured stability. Bashir emphasized that HIV prevention extends beyond condom use to include PrEP, viral suppression, and routine screening.