Kaduna and Kano States Unveil 2025 Health Facility Census Results
Nigeria – The Governments of Kaduna and Kano States have released the findings of the 2025 Health Facility Census, representing a significant advancement in health system planning and governance for both states. Conducted by the Kaduna and Kano Bureaus of Statistics, with support from the State Ministries of Health and Primary Health Care Management Boards, this census is the most extensive mapping of health facilities ever conducted in the region. Mindset served as the implementing and technical partner, providing end-to-end support, including census design, deployment of digital data-collection tools, field coordination, quality assurance, and advanced data analysis.
The process was overseen by state technical committees/working groups from the Ministries of Health, Primary healthcare Management Board, State Bureau of Statistics and other health aligned MDAs, which provided technical oversight and coordination for the successful implementation of the Health Facility Census (HFC) in Kaduna State, ensuring that all data collection, validation, and analysis aligned with both state and national standards.
The primary aim of the Census was to develop a comprehensive and harmonised Master Facility List and to evaluate each health facility’s ability to deliver essential health services. Leveraging the World Health Organisation’s SARA framework, the assessment covered health facilities: operations, infrastructure, equipment, drugs and supplies, laboratory services, staffing, selected service readiness and availability, and emergency readiness in both urban and rural settings. The findings offer a clear picture of facility distribution and readiness, highlighting areas of progress and persistent gaps in infrastructure, staffing, and services that warrant urgent attention.
Speaking at the official dissemination workshop in Kano State, the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Aliyu Bashir, stated, “This is the first time I can say with confidence that this represents the true number of health facilities in Kano State.” Similarly, In Kaduna State dissemination, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Kaduna State, Hajiya Umma K. Ahmed, emphasised the strategic importance of the exercise, noting, “This census provides us with accurate, up-to-date data on the number, distribution, functionality, infrastructure, services, and human resources across all health facilities in Kaduna State. This is not merely a data set; it is a roadmap. It tells us where our strengths lie, where the gaps persist, and what opportunities exist for improvement.” She further stressed that the census provides a solid, evidence-based platform for strategic health planning and informed decision-making.
The data gathered will inform critical decisions on capital investments, human resource allocation, maternal and child health initiatives, and strengthening primary care services. The updated Master Facility List will also enhance digital reporting and improve integration with national health systems, empowering both states to monitor performance and address community health needs more effectively.
Importantly, the census was designed as a capacity-building initiative. State focal persons collaborated with technical teams throughout the design, fieldwork, quality assurance, and analysis stages. This partnership has enhanced institutional capacity within the Bureaus of Statistics and Ministries of Health, equipping them with the skills to develop digital tools and systems needed to sustain and update their health facility databases.
With the completion of the 2025 Health Facility Census, Kaduna and Kano States now have a robust foundation for ongoing health sector reforms, improved resource allocation, and the advancement of essential health services. Publishing these results underscores the states’ commitment to building resilient, data-driven health systems that are responsive to the needs of all communities.
