Hussaini Kafi in Kano
The Kano State Government, in collaboration with the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA) and other HIV/AIDS partners, observed World AIDS Day 2024 to reaffirm its commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The theme for this year’s observance, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right,” underscores the importance of protecting human rights to achieve this goal.
Kano State has made significant strides in combating HIV/AIDS, with 684 people living with HIV currently receiving treatment.
The state government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has prioritized access to quality healthcare services for all, regardless of their HIV status.
Key achievements in the past year include the enactment of the Pre-Marital Screening Law and Anti-Discrimination Law, which aim to prevent the spread of HIV and protect the rights of people living with HIV.
Additionally, the state government has increased funding for HIV/AIDS programs, allocating 3% of the total state health budget to SACA.
To improve access to HIV testing and treatment, the state has expanded free HIV testing services to primary healthcare facilities, secondary schools, and selected private facilities.
Over 326,831 people have been tested, with 4,274 new HIV infections identified and initiated on treatment.
Kano State has also strengthened its efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, with 94.3% of pregnant women tested during their first antenatal care visit.
The state has successfully prevented the transmission of HIV to newborns from HIV-positive mothers.
