Kano State Makes History with the Establishment of a Subnational Center for Disease Control

Kano State has taken a groundbreaking step in public health with the enactment of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Law, 2025. His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Tuesday, 18^th February 2025, signed the law officially establishing the Kano State Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KNCDC)—the first state-level CDC in Nigeria.

The KNCDC is established to strengthen disease surveillance, prevention, and control, providing a clear legal framework that defines its powers, responsibilities, and accountability. This initiative is expected to enhance public health responses and serve as a model for other states across the country.

This landmark achievement is a testament to Governor Yusuf’s administration’s commitment to safeguarding public health and represents a major shift in the state’s approach to disease prevention and emergency preparedness, following his assent to the Public Health Security Bill earlier this year.

The landmark achievement, happening simultaneously as key public health figures from the State were recognized for their remarkable contributions to public health strengthening and resilience during the Strategic Health Summit organized by the Presidency in Abuja, was made possible through strategic partnerships between the Kano State Ministry of Health, the State House of Assembly, and key development partners.

These partners, including the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL), the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Lafiya Project, provided crucial advocacy and technical support, ensuring that the law aligns with international health standards, such as the International Health Regulations (IHR).

With the establishment of the novel Centre, Kano State is now poised to be an enviable standard for public health governance in Nigeria. Governor Yusuf’s leadership has laid a solid foundation for a healthier future, ensuring that the state is better prepared to detect, prevent, and respond to public health threats.

By LISDEL Team