“Muhammad Buhari Cancer Hospital Now Active,Expands Lifesaving Services in Kano” Commissioner Of Health
The Kano State Commissioner for Health has reaffirmed that the Muhammad Buhari Specialist Hospital Cancer Center is fully operational and strengthening cancer care services in the state, as government intensifies efforts on prevention, early detection and treatment of life-threatening diseases.
Speaking during a joint press briefing to commemorate the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day, World Leprosy Day and World Cancer Day at the Kano Emergency Operations Centre, the Commissioner stressed that cancer management has become a major priority for the present administration.
He noted that cancer is not only a medical issue but also a social and economic burden on families, especially women and children, adding that the state is working to close existing gaps in access to care through improved facilities and trained personnel.
According to him, records from January to September 2025 show that the Kano Cancer Centre managed 444 cancer cases, with cervical cancer accounting for 13.3 percent and breast cancer 10.8 percent, a situation he said calls for increased screening and awareness.
“The Muhammad Buhari Cancer Center is working and expanding its services. Our goal is to ensure early diagnosis and quality treatment for every citizen regardless of status,” the Commissioner stated.
He explained that the global theme for World Cancer Day, “Close the Care Gap,” aligns with the Kano State Government’s vision of equitable healthcare delivery and continuous investment in public health infrastructure.
Beyond cancer, the Commissioner also highlighted the burden of neglected tropical diseases such as onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis and trachoma, noting that these illnesses thrive in poor sanitation conditions and continue to affect vulnerable communities.
On leprosy, he disclosed that Kano State detected and successfully treated 319 patients in 2025 with zero mortality, describing it as evidence that early detection and proper treatment can eliminate stigma and restore dignity to affected persons.
He further listed key achievements of the administration to include mass drug administration reaching over 4.7 million residents, renovation of Yadakunya Leprosarium into a general hospital, and the training of 120 healthcare workers on active cancer case finding and referral.
The Commissioner also announced the revitalization of School Health Services across formal and informal schools, with deployment of healthcare providers and distribution of essential clinic commodities aimed at improving children’s health and learning outcomes.
He added that the ongoing SARMAAN II Mass Drug Administration programme is targeting children aged one to 59 months with Azithromycin to reduce childhood mortality and prevent infectious diseases through community-based primary healthcare delivery.
Pulse Time Nigeria reports that, Labaran Yusif appreciated development partners, religious and traditional leaders, and the media for their support, assuring that Kano State remains committed to eliminating preventable diseases, ending stigma, and strengthening cancer care for a healthier population.