SFH Projects in Kano paid advocacy to the newly appointed Commissioner of Health Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf in his office at the Kano State Ministry of Health complex. The advocacy team led by Dr Dayyabu Mahmud Yusuf, Regional Programme Manager (RPM), North West and Atiku Mohammed Yola, Deputy Chief of Party, ICHSSA 3 had members drawn from ICHSSA 3, A360, IntegratE, TB LON 1&2, Global Fund Malaria, and Global Fund NAHI.

Technical Leads from each project gave a brief overview of the project, successes and challenges, while seeking areas of greater government support and collaboration. Dr Dayyabu Mahmud Yusuf, stated the aim of their visit which was to congratulate the Commissioner on his appointment by His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf and to explore areas sustained support. The RPM added that SFH projects were implementing projects funded by USAID, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office of the British Government, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Global Fund and other donors, hence we work within rules and guideline of the donors.  Dr Dayyabu mentioned that the visit was also to identify bottlenecks hindering the success of some of the projects and solicit support of the Commissioner to address the challenges.

The Honourable Commissioner assured the team of an open-door engagement with Society for Family Health and asked that his office be approached anytime for any support the organization requires. In his words, “I will like to thank you most sincerely. My doors are always open for you. Whenever you need anything, just call me or get any of the programme managers. We will give you maximum cooperation on all the projects, because they are meant for the people. The projects are not for me and you, they are rather for the public of which you want them to enjoy and benefit”

The Commissioner added that the administration of Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf came with excellent blueprint to enhance the healthcare system towards attaining the universal health coverage. Dr Labaran went further to mention that Kano state government is well aware of the contribution and efficient services partners are rendering to the healthcare sector of the state over the years assuring the team that the sustained rapport would continue for the benefit of the people of the state. The Commissioner maintained that he doesn’t see any project that should be rejected or avoided, stressing that “We have to encourage it and make sure that we succeed together. I want to assure you that you will continue to get the support of the Kano state government.” He equally charged the SFH team to avoid delay in the implementation of any project, maintaining that untimely implementation of projects after signing memorandum of understanding hampers the success of projects.