The Kano State Government has warned against the diversion or commercialization of healthcare commodities such as Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), insecticide-treated mosquito nets, child-spacing commodities, and other essential items meant for public benefit.
The Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, gave the warning during a two-day technical engagement with Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the selection of family planning role models across communities, organised by KMoH and supported by LAFIYA UK.
“Immunisation in Kano is entirely free, and I want our people to understand that nobody should collect a single kobo for it. Every child has the right to be protected against preventable diseases, and the government will not compromise on that,” he said.
The commissioner noted that insecticide-treated mosquito nets were recently distributed to households at no cost and warned against their resale.
“If anyone finds these nets being sold in markets or shops, please report immediately. We will take punitive measures against those responsible. These commodities are meant to save lives, not to be sold for profit.”
On family planning, Dr Abubakar acknowledged that some clients still pay small stipends despite the commodities being free.
He assured that the state government is working to eliminate such charges to make the services completely free.
The commissioner also disclosed that maternal delivery kits are available and that plans are underway to scale up distribution across all 44 local government areas to encourage safe delivery practices.
“Every pregnant woman deserves to deliver safely. With these kits, we are reducing risks and ensuring mothers have the essentials they need. Soon, these kits will reach every local government in Kano State,” he assured.
He urged WDCs and CSOs to remain active bridges between the government and communities by ensuring that citizens have access to the free commodities provided for their health and well-being.
The meeting, which brought together key stakeholders, focused on strengthening grassroots participation in advancing reproductive and community health initiatives.
