The Kano State government has announced plans to set up Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) clubs and appoint surveillance focal persons in tertiary institutions to strengthen the fight against infectious diseases in the state.
The Director-General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KNCDC), Prof. Muhammad Adamu Abbas, disclosed this during an advocacy visit to Khalifa Isyaka Rabiu University of Nigeria (KHAIRUN), Kano.
Prof. Abbas said, “The initiative would improve early detection of disease outbreaks and ensure faster information sharing between higher institutions and the disease control agency.”
He explained that “each institution would have a surveillance focal person who would report unusual health events to KNCDC to support a timely public health response.”
According to him, the proposed IPC clubs will promote good hygiene practices, raise health awareness, and encourage students to take active roles in infection prevention and control.
“These initiatives will strengthen early warning systems within the university environment and help to protect public health,” he said.
Prof. Abbas added that the agency also plans to extend the surveillance programme to major markets and motor parks, where designated focal persons will report unusual health conditions observed among traders and passengers to KNCDC.
He further described universities as important centres for disease surveillance, research, innovation, and community engagement.
During the visit, the KNCDC team also supported health workers at the university clinic by attending to patients who were receiving treatment.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of Khalifa Isyaka Rabiu University of Nigeria, Prof. Abdulrashid Garba, applauded the initiative.
Prof. Garba said, “The university remained committed to protecting the health of students, staff, and the surrounding community.”
He noted that “IPC clubs would help build a culture of responsibility, safety, and proactive involvement in public health issues among students.”
The visit also provided an opportunity for discussions on long-term collaboration in disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, health education, and infection prevention practices.
KNCDC reiterated its commitment to continue to work with institutions and other stakeholders to implement evidence-based strategies to prevent disease outbreaks and protect communities across Kano State.
