Kano, World Bank Invest ₦24 Billion to Upgrade Primary Healthcare Centers

The Kano State Government, in partnership with the World Bank through the IMPACT project (Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services), has committed over ₦24 billion to revitalize primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across all 44 local government areas of the state.

Speaking at the project launch in Takai Local Government Area on Thursday, Kano State Commissioner for Health Dr. Abubakar Yusuf emphasized that the initiative aims to improve access to quality maternal and child healthcare services in rural communities.

“This collaboration with the World Bank under the IMPACT project demonstrates Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to rebuilding the foundation of our healthcare system,” Yusuf stated.

As part of the intervention, the commissioner inaugurated the construction of staff quarters at Durbunde Primary Health Centre to address healthcare worker shortages and ensure round-the-clock service delivery in remote areas.

Yusuf also highlighted the state’s expanded maternal health services, including:

• Monthly distribution of 25,000 to 30,000 free antenatal kits

• 6,000 delivery kits, including 500 Caesarean Section kits

• Free screening for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, and sickle cell disease for pregnant women

“These efforts are geared towards protecting unborn children from preventable diseases and building a healthier future generation,” he explained, noting the services align with state laws on mandatory premarital and antenatal testing.

The commissioner praised Governor Yusuf for consistently providing counterpart funding, which has significantly boosted immunization coverage across Kano.

At the same event, the governor launched the distribution of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for severely malnourished children under a ₦1 billion partnership with UNICEF.

Yusuf concluded by announcing that renovation work has begun on 191 PHCs statewide, declaring: “This is a clear indication that the present administration is focused on rebuilding healthcare from the ground up.”

The comprehensive upgrade targets critical gaps in rural healthcare infrastructure and services, reflecting Kano’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage.