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79 percent of child births in Kano are handled by unskilled midwives–Report

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Nasiru Yusuf

Over 79 percent of all child births in Kano state are handled by unqualified midwives and attendants, a report by Nigeria Health Watch has shown.

KANO  FOCUS reports that the study titled “Primary Health Care in Nigeria: A Case Study of Kano State”, was conducted in 49 facilities across the 44 local government areas of the state.

Presenting the report on Tuesday, the Director of Programmes at Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu said, the percentage of facilities that offer maternal and child health (MNCH) services in the state is very low.

“Results from the PHCs assessed revealed that many seem to lack some component of the basic requirements as outlined by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) minimum standards for PHCs, however it is evident that significant effort has been made to improve health services in Kano State, as well as increasing funding to the state health budget,” she said.

She also revealed that Kano state is one of the few states allocating over 15% of the state budget to health services.

Mrs Ihekweazu said results of the monitoring revealed that, there is poor power supply, emergency transportation system and good sanitary infrastructure in many of the primary health centres.

According to her, healthcare services are being performed in facilities with insufficient infrastructure.

“There are appears to be a shortage of staff, especially doctors as results show that almost 90% of the PHCs assessed do not have a doctor. Only 17 primary health centres indicated that a pharmacy technician was posted to their facilities. Only 7 facilities indicated that they had an ambulance driver. 35 PHCs said there is no security posted there.

“From the report, it is clear that there are gaps in service delivery in the PHCs assessed and adherence to the minimum standards for primary health care. The resultant effect is poor health seeking behaviour among patients in the state,”Ms Ihekweazu added.

In his address, the Executive Secretary of Kano state primary health care development agency, Tijjani Hussain admitted that the health indicators presented in the report on skilled birth attendants is alarming.

He however, said the 49 facilities monitored could not represent  the entire primary health centres in Kano state.

“The report shows that there are visible improvements, and this validates the efforts we have been making, ” he said.

The executive secretary said Kano state government is planning to construct primary health centres in each of the 484 political wards of the state before the expiration of his tenure in 2023.

He said 129 PHCs are participating in Kano state health contributory scheme and more will be upgraded to provide effective healthcare services.

According to him the state is making significant progress based on NDHIS report of 2008, 2013 and 2018.

“The contraceptive use in 2008 is just 0.5% but now it is 5.6%. Yes looking at it from national average, it is low, it is below the national average. But looking at the progress, we are making progress,” Mr Hussain explained.
Mr Hussaini added that, the board is collaborating with religious leaders and traditional birth attendants to mobilise pregnant women to attend prenatal and post natal care.

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Kano govt reintroduces waste bins in public transport

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

 

 

The Kano State Government has introduced waste disposal bins in the state’s public transport system to ensure a cleaner environment.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the initiative targets placing waste bins in Tricycles, buses, and at strategic points in the state, such as markets, bus stops, and motor parks.

 

Kano Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Muhammad Hashim, unveiled the initiative on Monday in a ceremony titled

 

“Kano State Waste Management and Refuse Disposal Initiative.”

 

Dahir while speaking at the event stressed the importance of a clean and healthy environment in the state.

Dr Dahiru Muhammad Hashim flagging off the campaign

He stressed that the bins were put in place by the Kano State government for proper trashing of waste for a healthy society.

 

“These bins are designed to help commuters dispose of trash responsibly while on the move,” he said.

Street Sweepers on duty

 

“The government is taking a firm stance against littering and we are working closely with the Ministries of Transportation and Commerce to tackle waste management challenges across the state effectively.”

 

He called on transport workers, traders, and residents to ensure their environment is clean as the government has provided the waste bins for proper disposal.

Female Street Sweepers on duty

“While the government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure, we need the cooperation of all stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious institutions to raise awareness and foster a culture of cleanliness,” he said.

 

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Gov Yusuf to distribute free uniform to primary school pupils 

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf is set to flag-off the distribution of school uniforms for Primary 1 pupils across the state on Monday 13th January 2025 as part of the administration’s commitment to addressing the problem of out-of-school children in the state.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that an estimated number of over 789,000 male and female pupils in 7,092 public schools across the 44 Local Government Areas in the state are to receive sets of uniforms under the program.

 

A statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Sunday by commissioner of information Comrade Ibrahim Waiya said the initiative is aimed at promoting school enrollment and ensuring that every child of school age is given the opportunity to access quality education, thereby reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.

 

The statement added that in addition, the gesture will support indigent parents who may face financial challenges in meeting the educational needs of their children and further demonstrates that education remains the cornerstone of the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration’s agenda for even development across the state.

 

“By prioritizing the needs of young learners, the government seeks to empower the next generation with the tools they need to succeed and contribute positively to society.

 

“The official launch event will take place by 1:00 pm at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf personally overseeing the distribution process,” the statement concluded.

 

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Emirate tussle: Kano Govt urges security, others to obey Court of Appeal ruling

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

 

 

 

 

The Kano state governent has urged all relevant individuals and bodies within and outside Nigeria, to abide with the recent ruling of the Federal Court of Appeal in respect of the ongoing litigation which the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi, as the 16th Emir of Kano.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the position of the Governor Abba Yusuf led administration on the recent ruling was made known Saturday, by Isa Dederi, Kano commissioner for justice, and attorney ‘General, held at a world press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre, in Kano.

 

The commissioner said: “On behalf of the Kano State Government, we express our profound satisfaction with the Judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, regarding the Emirate Council matter involving His Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II and other parties.

 

“The verdict overturns earlier decisions by the Federal High Court and validates the government’s lawful actions regarding the chieftaincy appointments and reforms in the state’s traditional institutions.

 

“This ruling reaffirms the government’s commitment to justice, fairness, and adherence to due process in our efforts to modernize traditional structures while preserving the cultural heritage of Kano State. The judgment further clarifies the rightful jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, underscoring the constitutional boundaries of the courts in such affairs.

 

“The decision by the appellate court to void previous Judgments that questioned the state’s lawful appointments underscores the correctness of our actions and strengthens our resolve to continue reforms for equitable representation and inclusive governance.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, all decisions, pronouncements, and orders made by the Federal High Court Kano have been quashed and set aside by the Court of Appeal. Furthermore, the law enacted by the Kano state House of Assembly relating to Emirates and all actions taken by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State pursuant to that law have been fully upheld and legalized by the Court of Appeal. Therefore, in strict adherence to the rule of law and in defense of democracy, all public and private institutions, as well as individuals, are required to comply with the Court of Appeal decision and act accordingly to give full effect to the Judgment.

 

“We extend our appreciation to the Judiciary for upholding the principles of Justice and fairness. The Kano State Government remains committed to working with traditional institutions, ensuring harmony, and fostering development across all emirates.

 

“We urge all parties to respect the court’s Judgment and join hands with the government to promote peace, unity, and progress in our beloved state. Let us continue to prioritize the collective good of Kano State above all individual interests.”

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