The Kano State Government has reported a total of 62 deaths caused by malaria. On the other hand, 474,565 cases, accounting for 98.8 percent, have been successfully treated with Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), which are the recommended treatments for uncomplicated malaria.
This was disclosed by Health Commissioner Abubakar Labaran to reporters during the Muhammadu Wase Teaching Hospital (MAWTH) World Malaria Day celebration.
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He said, “In Kano, it’s recorded that malaria is the single most common reason for about 60 percent of outpatient visits and consultations. It is estimated that in the year 2023 alone, more than 3.2 million hospital visits were due to the menace of malaria, which is a preventable disease. In economic terms, malaria morbidity and mortality have led to the loss of billions of Naira in drugs, non-school and work attendance, hospital stays, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
“In the year 2023, the outpatient attendance relating to malarial cases was 3,435,750, with total fever cases screened for malaria recorded at 3,247,651 and 2,348,264 confirmed to have malaria (99.0%) treated with ACTs. Meanwhile, 448 mortality was recorded.
“For the first quarter of this year, 480,104 individuals were diagnosed to have confirmed uncomplicated malaria, with 474,565 (98.8%) treated with ACTs and (62) mortality cases recorded.”
The commissioner further stated that in order to tackle these difficulties, the Kano State Government, led by Abba Kabir Yusuf, has placed great emphasis on enhancing the healthcare system at every level to safeguard the lives of women and children.
He highlighted that the state government annually procures anti-malarial commodities worth 1.2 billion naira, with the assistance of partners, for distribution across 839 health facilities to prevent stock-outs and ensure availability to the last mile.
