Kano To Enrol 6,000 Tuberculosis Patients In Health Scheme

The Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) said it will enrol at least 6,000 tuberculosis patients into its vulnerable healthcare scheme as part of efforts to expand access to treatment and reduce the spread of the disease across the state.

The executive secretary of the agency, Rahila Mukhtar, disclosed this during an advocacy visit by the Kano TB Network and the Society for Child Support and Economic Empowerment, led by its Coordinator, Sunusi Hashim.

“We have a plan to enrol 6,000 TB patients into our vulnerable healthcare scheme to improve access to treatment and reduce the spread of the disease in the state,” Mukhtar said.

She explained that the agency had already integrated people living with HIV into its health coverage programme and would now extend similar support to tuberculosis patients under its vulnerable group initiative.

Mukhtar described tuberculosis as a major public health challenge in the state, stressing the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure effective response and improved patient outcomes.

“As we know, tuberculosis is one of the major health challenges needing urgent intervention and a strong collaboration among stakeholders,” she added.

According to her, bringing TB patients under the state health insurance framework would help reduce financial barriers to care, while improving access to diagnosis, treatment, and other essential medical services.

Mukhtar also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to expanding inclusive healthcare programmes aimed at strengthening protection for vulnerable groups across Kano State.

In his remarks, Sunusi Hashim commended KSCHMA for the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening the fight against tuberculosis and reducing the burden on affected households, particularly low-income families.

He also called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, development partners, and civil society organisations to tackle tuberculosis and other infectious diseases in Kano and across Nigeria.

According to 2026 health data, Kano State remains one of Nigeria’s highest TB burden states, with an estimated 33,961 cases recorded within the year.