From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
A non-governmental organization, New Incentive (NI) l, has disbursed N3.8 billion to 833,000 caregivers in Katsina state to improve immunization coverage in the state.
The amount is to cover transportation expenses to caregivers for the immunisation of children.
The director of the NGO in the state, Nura Mohammed, revealed this at the flagging off of the disbursement of N5,000 to 830,000 caregivers held at the State Primary Health Care Development Agency.
Mahammed said the financial assistance to the caregivers, which is under the ABAE livelihood grant, is part of a strategy for the ongoing efforts to strengthen routine immunization in the state and the nine other states in Nigeria.
“This support rewards their dedication and commitment to protecting their children from life-threatening diseases,” he said.
He further said, “The initiative not only promotes the health of our children but also offers financial assistance to families, helping alleviate some of the burdens dens they may face.”
He said the assistance to the caregivers started in 2017 has improved immunisation coverage in Katsina, saying immunisation coverage has reached 49 per cent.
According to him, the NGO is working to achieve 70 per cent coverage and beyond. Mohammed revealed that the disbursement of N5,000 is another segment of assistance to the caregivers to reach the target per cent age of immunization coverage.
Speaking earlier, Governor Dikko Umar Radda commended the NGO for its assistance to the health sector, especially in the area of saving the lives of children.
He said his administration will continue to work with development partners to uplift the standard of living.