Kano signs partnership to address rising diabetes cases

The Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf and Sanofi's management at the ceremony Photo: Sanofi

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The Kano State Government has signed off on a two-year partnership with Sanofi to tackle the growing prevalence of diabetes in the state.

Speaking at the signing ceremony on Friday, the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, described diabetes as a major concern for both the state and the wider region.

In a statement signed by Sanofi’s Global Affordable Strategy Lead for General Medicines, Dr. Stephane Gokou, and made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday, Yusuf said the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing access to essential medicines and strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers.

He added that the initiative supports Kano’s broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage and ensuring that no resident is left behind in receiving quality healthcare.

“The government hopes the collaboration will significantly improve diabetes management and awareness, addressing a growing health challenge in the state,” he said.

He added that under the partnership, the Kano State Ministry of Health will gain access to affordable, high-quality analogue insulin for patients living with diabetes.

“Sanofi will also introduce a digital health solution to support physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and community health workers in educating, engaging, and monitoring patients. In addition, healthcare professionals across primary and secondary health facilities in the state will benefit from targeted medical training programs aimed at improving diabetes diagnosis and care,” he added.

On his part, Gokou said the agreement aligns with the company’s long-standing commitment to expanding equitable access to diabetes care in underserved populations.

According to him, Sanofi is already working with governments in several low and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, through its Access Diabetes initiative. The program focuses on key stages of the patient journey, such as awareness and screening, patient support, healthcare worker training, and the provision of analogue insulin at adapted prices.

The partnership comes at a time when Africa is projected to experience the highest global increase in diabetes cases. Data from the International Diabetes Federation shows that the number of people living with diabetes in Africa is expected to rise by 129 percent, from 24 million in 2021 to 55 million by 2045. In Nigeria, an estimated 3.6 million adults are currently living with diabetes, while more than 51,000 children and adolescents are affected by Type 1 diabetes.

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