Gov. Yusuf Inaugurates Sickle Cell Centre, Infectious Disease Laboratory in Kano

Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has inaugurated a new Sickle Cell Centre at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.

Speaking at the inauguration, Yusuf said the centre would enhance the diagnosis, treatment and management of sickle cell disease, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services across the state.

The governor said the establishment of the facility underscored the government’s resolve to provide quality medical care and improve the well-being of residents through sustained investment in the health sector.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, described the centre as another milestone in the state’s efforts to support persons living with sickle cell disease.

He said the current administration had revitalised government-owned health facilities across Kano since assuming office, with a view to expanding access to quality healthcare services.

As part of the event, the governor also distributed 3,000 blood pressure monitoring devices free of charge to members of the public to encourage regular blood pressure checks for early detection and management of hypertension.

Yusuf also inaugurated the state’s Infectious Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, described as the first state-owned facility of its kind in Nigeria, to strengthen disease surveillance, research and the control of infectious diseases in Kano.

He expressed confidence that the laboratory would boost the state’s capacity to detect and respond promptly to disease outbreaks, thereby protecting public health.