Kano mosquito breeding surge sparks serious health concerns, with residents calling for urgent government action.
Though the ongoing rainy season has brought relief from the heat but also lead to a dangerous surge across many communities.
Open, clogged gutters and stagnant pools of water have become breeding hotspots for Anopheles mosquitoes, the primary carriers of malaria, prompting urgent calls for action from health experts, residents, and government officials.
Morganable correspondent reported that numerous neighborhoods in Kano City, including Dan Rimi, Yan Mata, and Kurna Asabe, are facing serious challenges related to unclean open gutters and stagnant sewage channels.
These unsightly conditions not only compromise the aesthetic appeal of these areas but also pose serious health risks to the residents, especially children, pregnant women, and elderly individuals, who remain highly vulnerable.
Kano Mosquito Breeding Surge
Community outcry
Across several neighborhoods in the city, residents have expressed frustration over the poor state of local drainage systems.
Many lament that the rainy season has worsened the situation, with gutters overflowing and stagnant water lingering for days.
“Our gutters are blocked with plastic waste, sand, and all kinds of debris,” said Aisha Ismail, a resident of Kurna Asabe.
Another resident of Yan Mata, Isah Mustafa, added “Mosquitoes are everywhere now. We are willing to clean up, but the drains are deep and heavily silted. We need government equipment and manpower to make a real impact.”
Although some communities like Gayawa, Rimin Zakara, and Rijiyar Lemo (A) have already embarked on volunteer clean-up exercises, local leaders admit that without adequate tools, trucks, and protective gear, their efforts remain limited.
The village head of Rimin Zakara, Kabiru Abba, explained that during the rainy season, community members gather to emphasize the importance of maintaining clean water channels.
Community outcry as Mosquito breeding spikes in Kano, though the ongoing rainy season has brought relief from the heat but also lead to a dangerous surge across many communities.
“This includes placing slabs over street gutters and clearing unwanted grass to reduce the risk of mosquito breeding.”
However, “households with flowers are also advised to trim their plants and grasses, as doing so helps minimize the presence of insects and mosquitoes.”
He said the Ward Head of Tudun Bojuwa, Zaharaddin Muhammad, also urged communities to take advantage of the sanitation day to clean up their sewage systems, gutters, and drainages in order to protect themselves from mosquito infestations.
Kano Mosquito Breeding Surge
He added that “sanitation should not only be about preventing mosquitoes, but also about promoting personal comfort, environmental safety, and the overall well-being of every household within our communities.”
Medical expert’s insight
Dr. Usman Sani, a seasoned medical doctor explained to Daily Reality that the outbreak of malaria is closely linked to how we manage sewage and refuse disposal in our environment.
“Malaria lays its eggs in dirty water, which leads to an increase in disease transmission in affected areas. It is crucial that we effectively manage our water systems,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of implementing a closed system for water and waste disposal, rather than allowing them to be exposed openly.
“Cleaning sewage channels and gutters will significantly reduce the chances of malaria in our communities.
However, it is essential that these channels are enclosed rather than left open. In our case, our gutters are predominantly open and often stagnant, leading to clogged water systems filled with debris,” Usman said.
Government response
The Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has emphasized that both government and communities, alongside relevant stakeholders, must actively engage in drainage and sewage clean-up exercises.
Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, the Commissioner for Environment explained that rampant refuse dumping and blocked drainages often serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
He stressed that consistent clean-up activities could effectively address this challenge.
According to him, the ministry has provided equipment to communities to enable their participation in the exercise.
Kano Mosquito Breeding Surge
He further noted that while negligence and ignorance sometimes contribute to the problem, ongoing sensitization and inclusive efforts will encourage residents of Kano to embrace the initiative.
This Day newspaper reported that the Kano State Government has flagged-off the 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) Campaign and Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) Distribution, with the official launch held at Burji Primary Health Centre in Madobi Local Government Area.
Aminu Abdulssalam, the deputy governor said the state has initiated the launching of the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention campaign and distribution of insecticide-treated nets to prevent malaria, a disease that disproportionately affects children and pregnant women across Kano State.
Despite the general distribution of 7.7 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across Kano State, particularly targeting mothers and children, some residents in parts of Ungogo Local Government Area have expressed concerns about not receiving the nets.
“We have seen people in areas like Fagge and Dala Local Government Areas collecting ITNs, but it is yet to reach us,” lamented Jamila Sulaiman, a resident of Ungogo.
Community outcry as Mosquito breeding spikes in Kano, though the ongoing rainy season has brought relief from the heat but also lead to a dangerous surge across many communities.
A source confirmed that the Ungogo Local Government distributed insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to residents across the area.
Health officials emphasize that mosquito control is not a one-time effort but requires consistent community engagement.
Regular cleaning of gutters, covering of water storage containers, and timely waste disposal are being highlighted as essential steps.
Kano Mosquito Breeding Surge
“If we act together now, we can greatly reduce mosquito breeding and protect our communities. Every blocked gutter we clear today is one less breeding site tomorrow.
The rainy season is here and we must treat this as a health emergency.” Dr. Juniadu Sani concluded.
