The Kano State Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KNCDC) has called for the establishment of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Clubs and the appointment of a Surveillance Focal Person at Khalifa Isyaka Rabiu University of Nigeria (KHAIRUN), Gadon Kaya, as part of efforts to strengthen public health collaboration with tertiary institutions in Kano State.
The call was made during an advocacy visit to the university, led by the Director-General of KNCDC, Professor Muhammad Adamu Abbas.
Speaking during the visit, Professor Abbas emphasized the critical role of universities in disease surveillance, prevention, and response, describing academic institutions as strategic hubs for knowledge generation, innovation, and community engagement.
He explained that designating a Surveillance Focal Person would enhance timely information sharing between the university and KNCDC, improve early detection of potential disease outbreaks, and support coordinated public health responses.
He also noted that the establishment of IPC Clubs would promote hygiene practices, raise health awareness, and encourage students’ active participation in infection prevention and control.
“These initiatives will strengthen early warning systems within the university environment and contribute significantly to safeguarding public health,” Professor Abbas said.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of KHAIRUN, Professor Abdulrashid Garba, expressed appreciation for the visit and welcomed the proposed initiatives.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to promoting the health and well-being of students, staff, and the surrounding community.
Professor Garba noted that structured platforms such as IPC Clubs would help instill a culture of responsibility, safety, and proactive engagement in public health issues among students.
The advocacy visit also provided an opportunity for discussions on sustained collaboration between KNCDC and the university in areas such as disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, health education, and infection prevention practices.
KNCDC reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with academic institutions and other stakeholders to implement evidence-based public health strategies aimed at preventing disease outbreaks and protecting communities across Kano State.