Sokoto State Agency For Control Of Aids Tuberculosis and Leprosy Sosacat

02/08/2026

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY SOSACAT CALLS FOR QUALITY EDUCATION, MORAL VALUES AND HEALTHY LIVING AT YAKUBU MU'AZU SCIENCE MODEL PRIMARY SCHOOL'S SPEECH & PRIZE GIVING DAY.

The Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Leprosy (SOSACAT), Mal. Mukhtar Isah Iliyasu, FIMC, has called on parents, teachers, community leaders and other stakeholders to continue investing in quality education, moral upbringing and healthy living as essential pillars for building a prosperous society.

Mal. Mukhtar made the call while serving as the Guest Speaker at the Speech & Prize Giving Day and Qur'anic Walima Ceremony for 26 pupils of Yakubu Mu'azu Science Model Primary School, Sokoto, held on Sunday, 2nd August, 2026.

In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary applauded the Proprietor, Management and teachers of the school for successfully combining western and Qur'anic education, describing the institution as a model for producing disciplined, knowledgeable and morally upright future leaders.

He congratulated the 26 Qur'anic graduands and urged them to remain steadfast in the teachings of the Holy Qur'an, citing the saying of Prophet Muhammad (SAW): "The best among you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it." He encouraged them to continue reciting, practising and living according to the teachings of the Qur'an throughout their lives.

Addressing parents and guardians, Mal. Mukhtar acknowledged their sacrifices in providing quality education for their children, stressing that education remains the greatest legacy parents can leave for future generations.

He also congratulated pupils who distinguished themselves academically, encouraging them to remain hardworking, disciplined and focused on their studies. According to him, the future doctors, engineers, teachers, scholars and leaders of Sokoto State are being nurtured in schools such as Yakubu Mu'azu Science Model Primary School.

The Executive Secretary noted that the administration of His Excellency, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, PhD, FCNA, Executive Governor of Sokoto State, through its Smart Nine-Point Agenda, places education among its highest priorities, adding that the outstanding performance of schools like Yakubu Mu'azu Science Model Primary School justifies government's continued investment in the education sector.

He further encouraged pupils to adopt healthy lifestyles, maintain good personal hygiene and make responsible choices that would protect their health and future, reaffirming SOSACAT's commitment to promoting the well-being of children and adolescents across Sokoto State.

Mal. Mukhtar concluded by emphasizing three important messages: that knowledge must be accompanied by good character; that western and Qur'anic education complement one another in preparing children for success in this world and the Hereafter; and that education should always be used in the service of humanity and community development.

The colourful event featured speeches, cultural performances, presentation of prizes to outstanding pupils and the Qur'anic Walima ceremony for 26 graduating pupils. It attracted parents, traditional rulers, community leaders, education stakeholders, religious leaders and other distinguished guests from across Sokoto State.

Signed:
Muhammad Sambo
Media Officer, SOSACAT
Sunday, 2nd August, 2026

31/07/2026

SOSACAT/SASCP JOINS MWAN TO MARK 2026 WORLD HEPATITIS DAY WITH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AT UMARU ALI SHINKAFI POLYTECHNIC, SOKOTO.

A few days ago, the Sokoto State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Leprosy/State AIDS and STIs Control Programme (SOSACAT/SASCP) joined the Medical Women's Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Sokoto State Chapter, to commemorate the 2026 World Hepatitis Day with an awareness campaign held at Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto.

The SOSACAT/SASCP team was led by MLS Ahmad Muhammad Jazuli, Deputy Director, HIV Control, SOSACAT, alongside Aishatu Abubakar Sokoto, GBV Focal Person, SOSACAT, and other staff of the Agency and SASCP.

The event featured health education, public awareness activities, and hepatitis screening services for participants to promote early detection, prevention, and timely access to treatment.

The programme brought together healthcare professionals, government agencies, development partners, students, and members of the public to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, its prevention, early diagnosis, vaccination, and treatment.

During the awareness campaign, participants were sensitized on the importance of regular hepatitis screening, hepatitis B vaccination, and early medical intervention as key measures in reducing the burden of viral hepatitis.

SOSACAT/SASCP reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with MWAN and other stakeholders to strengthen public awareness, promote preventive healthcare, and support efforts aimed at eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat in Sokoto State.

The Agency and Programme commended MWAN, Sokoto State Chapter, for organizing the programme and reaffirmed their readiness to continue partnering with organizations committed to improving the health and well-being of the people of Sokoto State.

Signed:
Muhammad Sambo
Media Officer, SOSACAT
31st/July/2026.

29/07/2026

PRESS RELEASE

SOKOTO STATE HOLDS 2026 HEALTH SECTOR JOINT ANNUAL REVIEW (JAR).

The Sokoto State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF, has commenced the 2026 Health Sector Joint Annual Review (JAR)/Quarterly Review Meeting to assess the performance of the health sector, review progress, address challenges, and strengthen healthcare service delivery across the state.

Declaring the meeting open, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, described the review as a strategic platform for evaluating achievements, identifying gaps, and improving health outcomes through stronger collaboration and effective governance. He urged participants to make meaningful contributions towards achieving better healthcare services.

The review meeting was attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on SOSACAT, Hon. Sada Ibrahim Durbawa, and the Executive Secretary, SOSACAT, Mal. Mukhtar Isah Iliyasu, FIMC, Wadata Hali Sascp coordinator alongside officials of the Ministry of Health, heads of health agencies, development partners, and other key stakeholders committed to improving healthcare service delivery in Sokoto State.

Signed:
Muhammad Sambo
Media Officer, SOSACAT
29th July, 2026

29/07/2026

Attached is a video clip of the medical outreach programme conducted by SOSACAT in collaboration with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) across Sokoto State, bringing essential healthcare services closer to the people.

26/07/2026

PRESS RELEASE

SOSACAT conducts two-days free medical outreach at Gidan Igwai, and Gidan Dare Communities.

The Sokoto State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Leprosy (SOSACAT) has successfully conducted a two-day free medical outreach in Gidan Igwai and Gidan Dare communities of Sokoto North Local Government Area, providing essential healthcare services to residents at the grassroots.

The outreach, led by the Executive Secretary of SOSACAT, Mal. Mukhtar Isah Iliyasu, FIMC, brought a range of free healthcare services closer to community members, particularly vulnerable and underserved residents.

Despite Saturday and Sunday being official non-working days, the Executive Secretary and members of staff of SOSACAT dedicated their weekend to serving the people. Their active participation in the outreach underscored the agency’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of citizens and advancing the healthcare vision of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, FCNA, ACIT, PhD, under his 9-Point Smart Agenda, in which healthcare remains a key priority.

During the outreach, residents benefited from a range of free services, including HIV counselling and testing, tuberculosis (TB) screening, malaria testing, blood pressure (BP) checks, medical consultations, and the distribution of free medicines to vulnerable and needy members of the communities.

The exercise also demonstrated the commitment made by the Executive Secretary, together with the Special Adviser to the Governor on SOSACAT, Hon. Sada Ibrahim Durbawa, during the recent distribution of HIV test kits and consumables by the Sokoto State Government.

At the event, the Executive Secretary and the Special Adviser assured the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Sokoto State, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar Wurno, that the HIV test kits would be deployed to communities where they were most needed. The Gidan Igwai and Gidan Dare outreach therefore represents a practical demonstration of that commitment, with the test kits deployed to provide free HIV testing services directly to residents at the community level.

Speaking during the outreach, Mal. Mukhtar Isah Iliyasu, FIMC, reaffirmed SOSACAT’s commitment to strengthening community-based healthcare interventions across the state.

He emphasized that the agency would continue to support efforts aimed at disease prevention, early diagnosis, health education, and improved access to quality healthcare services, particularly among underserved populations.

The Executive Secretary further encouraged community members to take advantage of available health services, undergo regular screening and testing, and seek medical attention promptly whenever they notice symptoms or health concerns.

Community members expressed their appreciation to the Sokoto State Government and SOSACAT for bringing the outreach to their communities. They described the intervention as timely, impactful, and beneficial to the health and well-being of the people.

The outreach reflects SOSACAT’s continued commitment to taking healthcare services beyond health facilities and directly to communities, in line with the broader objective of ensuring that no citizen is left behind in accessing essential healthcare services across Sokoto State.

Signed:
Muhammad Sambo
Media Officer, SOSACAT
26th July, 2026

19/07/2026

17/07/2026

HIV BA YA HANA AURE, KUMA BA LALLAI NE MACE MAI HIV TA HAIFI JARIRI MAI DAUKE DA CUTAR BA!

HIV ba hukuncin jana aure ba ne. Mutum mai ɗauke da ƙwayar cutar HIV na da damar yin aure kamar kowa, muddin an sami cikakken bayani daga ƙwararrun ma'aikatan lafiya, an yi gwaje-gwaje, kuma an bi shawarwarin likitoci.

A yau, an samu ci gaba sosai a fannin kiwon lafiya. Idan ɗaya daga cikin ma'aurata na da HIV, ɗayan kuma ba shi da ita (abin da ake kira sero-discordant couple), akwai hanyoyin kariya da kuma magani da ke rage yiwuwar yaɗuwar HIV zuwa kusan sifili idan an bi su yadda ya kamata.

Misali, idan mai ɗauke da HIV yana shan magungunan rigakafin ƙwayar (ART) yadda ya kamata kuma ƙwayar ta ragu zuwa matakin da ba a iya ganowa a jini (undetectable), yiwuwar yaɗa HIV tana raguwa sosai. Wannan ne ake taƙaita shi da kalmar U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), wato idan ƙwayar ba a iya ganowa saboda ana shan magani yanda ya kamata.

Haka kuma, idan mace mai juna biyu tana da HIV, ba yana nufin dole ne jaririnta ya kamu ba. Idan ta fara zuwa asibiti da wuri, ta riƙa shan maganin ART yadda ya kamata, kuma aka kula da ita da jaririnta bisa ƙa'idojin kiwon lafiya, akwai babban yakini kan yiwuwar ta haifi jariri ba tare da HIV ba. Wannan shi ya sa a yau dubban mata masu HIV ke haihuwar yara lafiyayyu waɗanda ba su da HIV.

Wadannan ci gaban ba zato ba ne. Sun samo asali ne daga bincike na kimiyya, ƙwarewar masana, da ci gaban magunguna. Abin takaici, mutane da dama ba su san wannan ba saboda rashin samun ingantaccen bayani.

Saboda haka, yana da muhimmanci mu daina nuna wariya ga masu HIV, mu ƙarfafa mutane su je a gwada lafiyarsu, su nemi shawarar ƙwararrun ma'aikatan lafiya, kuma su yi amfani da magunguna kamar yadda aka ba su umarni. Da ilimi, kulawa, da bin shawarwarin likitoci, masu HIV na iya yin aure, su rayu cikin ƙoshin lafiya, su kuma kafa iyali mai albarka.Wannan bayani na ilimantarwa ne kawai. Duk ma'auratan da ɗayansu ke da HIV su nemi shawara daga ƙwararrun ma'aikatan lafiya

Sa hannu:
Mal Mukhtar Isah Iliyasu, FIMC
Executive Secretary SOSACAT

17/07/2026

PRESS RELEASE.

Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar Wurno Hon Commissioner Ministry of Health Sokoto Leads Flag-Off of Safe Deliveries Initiative as SOSACAT Joins Stakeholders.

The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Sokoto State, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar Wurno, on Thursday led the official flag-off ceremony of the Safe Deliveries Initiative (SDI) at the Drugs and Medical Supply Management Agency (DMSMA), Sokoto.

The ceremony, organized by the Sokoto State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SSPHCDA) and the Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (SOCHEMA), brought together government officials, heads of health agencies, development partners, and key stakeholders, including the Sokoto State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Leprosy (SOSACAT), to strengthen efforts towards improving maternal and newborn healthcare services in the state.

In his address, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar Wurno emphasized the importance of the Safe Deliveries Initiative in reducing maternal and newborn mortality by ensuring that women across Sokoto State have access to quality, safe, and affordable delivery services.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Director General of SOCHEMA, Yusuf Abu Abdulkareem, appreciated the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, and the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar Wurno, for introducing new initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare services and improving access to quality healthcare for the people of Sokoto State.

He described the initiative as a milestone that would contribute significantly to improving maternal and child health outcomes through effective healthcare financing and collaboration among relevant stakeholders.

The Special Adviser to SOSACAT, Hon. Sada Ibrahim Durbawa, and the Executive Secretary of SOSACAT, Mal. Mukhtar Isah Iliyasu, FIMC, joined other heads of health-related agencies and parastatals to support the initiative and reaffirm their commitment towards advancing healthcare delivery in Sokoto State.

SOSACAT reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Sokoto State Government and its partners in integrating maternal health services with HIV prevention, Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT), and other essential healthcare interventions to improve health outcomes across the state.

Signed:
Muhammad Sambo
Media Officer (SOSACAT)
17/07/2026.

14/07/2026

SOKOTO STATE AGENCY FOR THE CONTROL OF HIV/AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS AND LEPROSY (SOSACAT).

HIV Monthly Coordination Meeting Holds in Sokoto

SOSACAT, in collaboration with SASCP and IPS, today held a HIV Monthly Coordination Meeting on Indicator Review at CCCRN office, Sokoto State.

The meeting brought together partners including HSCL, SFH, CCCRN, and NEPHWAN to review key HIV indicators and strengthen service delivery across the state.

In attendance were Hon. Sada Ibrahim Durbawa, Special Adviser to the Governor on SOSACAT; Mal. Mukhtar Isah Iliyasu, FIMC, Executive Secretary, SOSACAT; Dr. Abdulganiyu Yusuf, Wadata Hali, SASCP Coordinator; Dahiru Bello (HSCL); Bilal (SFH); and Dr. Nuraddeen Ibrahim (CCCRN), among others.

SOSACAT reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and improving the HIV response in Sokoto State.

Signed:
MUHAMMAD SAMBO
Media Officer, SOSACAT
14th July, 2026.