Kano suspends Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention Programme, launches probe
Kano State Government Suspends Malaria Chemoprevention Program Amid Investigation
The Kano State Government has temporarily halted all activities related to the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention Program and established a high-level committee to investigate the program’s implementation.
As part of the suspension, the program manager has been removed from their position. Responsibilities will now be overseen by the most senior officer until the investigation concludes.
The announcement was made Thursday by Nabilusi Abubakar, Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Ministry of Health. The decision was taken after the formation of a comprehensive investigation committee tasked with reviewing the program’s planning, distribution, and operational processes within the state.
“The suspension takes immediate effect and is intended to facilitate a thorough investigation into the program’s operations, documentation, personnel records, and related activities,” the ministry stated.
All ongoing field operations, including the distribution of medicines and community engagement activities under the program, have been suspended pending the inquiry’s outcome.
The committee will be chaired by Dr. Usman Bashir, Director-General of the Kano State AIDS Control Agency, and will include leaders from various health institutions, such as the State Primary Healthcare Management Board and the Kano Centre for Disease Control.
Additionally, the ministry has mandated that the program’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, along with implementing partners and other stakeholders, report to headquarters with approved work plans, distribution records, candidate lists, and relevant documents for verification purposes.
The state government emphasized that the review aims to strengthen transparency and improve service delivery while ensuring that malaria control efforts are not disrupted.
“The Kano State Government remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of public resources in all health programs. The ongoing review is intended to enhance program delivery and ensure that health interventions continue to effectively benefit the people of Kano State,” the statement concluded.
