The Kano State Government said the state is expecting the birth of between 600,000 and 700,000 new babies in 2026 alone.

The figures are based on the 2006 population growth projection of 3.5 per cent in the state.

The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, Dr Mansur Mudi Nagoda, disclosed this in Kano over the weekend, during the maiden convocation of the Sardauna College of Health Sciences and Technology, a private health institution in the state.

He, however, warned that the state faces a daunting health challenge as its population continues to rise above its available health personnel, as the rate could stretch already inadequate manpower and facilities.

He noted that the state currently has a deficit of about 4,000 professional health workers.

Dr Nagoda also urged institutions to pay greater attention to the practical aspects of training so that graduates could deliver the services needed in communities.

He explained that the state is planning to recruit more health workers soon, with plans to deploy them to underserved communities such as Doguwa, Rogo and Sumaila LGAs.