The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to combating the spread of sickle cell disease by providing free medical coverage to tens of thousands of vulnerable residents.
Dr. Rahila Aliyu Muktar, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA), disclosed this during a one-day awareness rally commemorating the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day in Kano.
According to Dr. Mukhtar, the state government has successfully enrolled 13,000 sickle cell patients under its flagship AbbaCare Programme, ensuring they receive free treatment at state-owned healthcare facilities.
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Furthermore, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), KSCHMA has expanded its reach to cover a total of over 30,000 sickle cell patients across the state.
Dr. Muktar described the AbbaCare Initiative as one of the most impactful social health protection interventions in Kano State, aimed at removing financial barriers to life-saving medical care.
“Today’s rally is a powerful reminder that every person living with Sickle Cell Disease deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life.
Through AbbaCare, the Kano State Government is helping to remove financial barriers to healthcare and ensuring that vulnerable residents receive the care they need,” Dr. Muktar stated.
The KSCHMA boss emphasized that managing sickle cell disease extends far beyond clinical treatment.
It requires sustained public awareness, community support, and collective stakeholder action.
She urged young people and intending couples to prioritize genotype testing and genetic counseling as critical preventive measures.
She also encouraged managing patients to adhere strictly to their prescribed treatment plans and seek regular medical care.
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Dr. Mukhtar extended appreciation to healthcare workers, caregivers, patient support groups, and international development partners for their unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes in the state.
In her remarks, the National Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), Dr. Annette Akinsete, noted that Nigeria carries the highest burden of sickle cell disease globally.
This reality drives the foundation’s continuous collaboration with local stakeholders to curb the spread of the condition.
”Kano State has the highest prevalence of sickle cell patients among the states of the federation, which is why we brought this year’s national commemoration to the state,” Dr. Akinsete explained.
The commemorative rally featured extensive public sensitization messages and community outreach activities designed to foster a better understanding of the condition, encourage early health-seeking behaviors, and eradicate the social stigma associated with sickle cell disease.
