The Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouq Ibrahim, has inaugurated the State One Health Steering Committee (SOHSC) in his office, reaffirming the commitment of the present administration to improving public health coordination and strengthening multi-sectoral response mechanisms across the state.
The committee, constituted under the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), is designed to review and approve proposed activities of the One Health Technical Committee, while also providing strategic leadership and high-level oversight for the implementation of One Health initiatives in Kano State.
During the inauguration, the SSG explained that the One Health approach represents a vital pillar in addressing emerging and re-emerging health threats, as it integrates human health, animal health, and environmental health sectors into a unified mechanism for preventing, detecting, and responding to disease outbreaks.
He added that the establishment of the steering committee marks a major milestone in enhancing the state’s preparedness and capacity to manage public health crises effectively.
The SSG noted that the individuals appointed into the committee were carefully selected in recognition of their professional competence, extensive experience in public service, and longstanding commitment to issues affecting the socio-economic progress of the state.
He expressed optimism that the committee will justify the confidence reposed in its members by carrying out its mandate with diligence, dedication, and integrity.
The SOHSCS draws membership from key sectors, including the Ministries of Health, Livestock Development, Environment and Climate Change, Finance, and Information, alongside heads of relevant public health departments and agencies such as the One Health Coordination Unit and the Kano State Centre for Disease Control.
The committee will provide overall supervision to the One Health Technical Committee, review and endorse planned activities, offer policy guidance, and ensure strong governmental leadership for the timely resolution of public health challenges.
The SSG emphasized that the government expects the committee to strengthen coordination at the highest level, foster collaborative engagement among sectors, and deliver recommendations that will contribute to a more resilient health system capable of addressing present and future threats.
Credit: Musa Tanko Muhammad
