Kano State has been revealed to account for 30% of Nigeria’s total tuberculosis (TB) cases, making it the state with the highest per capita TB cases globally.
This alarming statistic was disclosed by Professor Hamisu Salihu, Director-General of the Kano Independent Research Center Trust (KIRCT), during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) in Kano.
According to Professor Salihu, the state’s TB burden necessitated the establishment of a full-fledged TB laboratory at KIRCT, which will aid in advancing clinical research in the northern part of the country.
“Kano State deserves a full laboratory given the burden of tuberculosis,” he emphasized.
The DG also highlighted other innovative solutions developed by KIRCT, including a Hausa chatbot that facilitates communication between patients and doctors, creating electronic medical records.
He further stated that the center offers mammogram testing for breast cancer patients, a service previously unavailable in the region.
“The MoU with PVAC aims to enhance clinical trials and capacity building at KIRCT, with plans to establish the center as a regional hub for clinical research,” Prof. Salihu added.
PVAC National Coordinator, Abdu Mukhtar, also expressed optimism about the partnership, citing the potential for impactful research and collaboration.
