KANO, Nigeria: Nigeria’s Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, inaugurated a new Sickle Cell Centre and unveiled an office complex for the Kano State Centre for Disease Control on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Okay News reports that Yusuf launched the facilities alongside the distribution of 300 customised digital blood pressure monitors to public servants and political appointees. During the inauguration, the governor stated the health centre will offer free diagnosis, counselling, and specialised management of the condition. “The Sickle Cell Centre will provide comprehensive care for people living with sickle cell disease, including free diagnosis, counselling, treatment, follow-up care and health education,” Yusuf said.
The governor also opened the symbolic distribution of free maternal and Accident and Emergency commodities, as well as new hospital bed sheets, at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital in Kano. Regarding the disease control facility, Yusuf said it will enhance capacity to prevent and respond to epidemic-prone diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and meningitis. “In the name of Allah, today, Monday, August 3, 2026, I am delighted to commission this centre, and it is my prayer that it will be judiciously utilised for the benefit of the people of Kano State,” Yusuf said.
Explaining the distribution of the blood pressure monitors, the governor cited sudden deaths linked to hypertension among public officials. “We procured these digital blood pressure monitors to encourage regular health checks among public servants and political appointees. Early detection and proper monitoring will help prevent avoidable deaths associated with hypertension,” Yusuf said.
Nigeria’s Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Yusuf, noted the disease control centre was conceptualised and completed under the current administration to strengthen emergency response across 44 local government areas. “Maternal mortality has dropped significantly from over 1,300 recorded cases in 2023 to about 300 in 2026, reflecting the impact of the government’s interventions,” Dr Yusuf said.
The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Hospital Management Board, Dr Mansur Nagoda, attributed recent healthcare changes to sustained investments. “The governor’s support will benefit thousands of residents. The Abba Gida-Gida administration has transformed the health sector to an unprecedented level through sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure, equipment and essential services,” Nagoda said.
