By Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KT-SACA) has distributed HIV test kits, antiretroviral drugs, laboratory consumables and other medical supplies to selected hospitals and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state.
The distribution was flagged off by the Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Bala Nuhu Kankia.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Kankia said the exercise was aimed at consolidating the gains recorded in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Katsina State and ensuring the continuous availability of essential commodities for prevention, testing and treatment.
He explained that the distribution of drugs and other medical supplies is part of the agency’s routine support to health facilities and would be sustained.
According to him, the beneficiaries include the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Daura, the Government House Clinic, and 24 selected Primary Health Centres across the state.
Dr. Kankia said the agency would closely monitor the utilisation of the items, warning that any health facility found diverting or misusing the supplies would face appropriate sanctions.
He also cautioned healthcare workers to ensure the proper use of the commodities in order to maximise their impact on HIV prevention and treatment.
The Executive Secretary commended the Katsina State Government for its continued support to people living with HIV/AIDS and for providing the necessary resources to strengthen the state’s response to the disease.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment, with the support of the state government, to intensifying advocacy, public awareness campaigns and other interventions aimed at achieving zero new HIV infections in the state.
