The Niger State Contributory Health Agency -NiCare and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have launched a joint initiative to improve healthcare outcomes in Niger State, with a focus on reducing zero dose and enhancing health-seeking behaviour among vulnerable populations.
Executive Secretary Niger State Contributory Health Agency-NiCare Sulayman Abu-bakr reiterated Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s commitment to improving the livelihood of the people and enhancing access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
Sulayman Abu-bakr explained that the UNICEF-supported initiative explicitly targets women of childbearing age and children under five among vulnerable populations in the State. He said the aim is to enhance access to essential healthcare services, strengthen community engagement and acceptance as well, as improve health outcomes for the vulnerable populations.” Our partnership with UNICEF and the traditional institutions demonstrates our commitment to expanding healthcare coverage and improve the well-being of all residents of Niger State”.
The Executive Secretary, also explained the concept and objectives of the Niger State Contributory Health Scheme and encouraged people to enrol into NiCare by paying a premium of N12,000 per individual in a year, to have access to healthcare services whenever the need arises without any financial hardship. He then called on philanthropists and other well to do individuals in the State to pay for the less privileged in the society.
The UNICEF representative, Ali Isaac, commended the Emir for his steadfast support of healthcare initiatives in the State. He highlighted the importance of focusing on women of childbearing age and children under five, emphasizing that these efforts would encourage better health-seeking behaviors. Mr. Isaac expressed confidence that, with the Emir’s continued backing, the enrollment drive would be a success, leading to substantial improvements in the State’s health outcomes and reducing zero-dose cases, who are children missing the first dose of the pentavalent.
“Traditional institutions play a vital role in promoting community acceptance of health interventions. By targeting women and children, we aim to reduce zero dose and improve health seeking behavior among the people”.
In his response, the Emir of Minna Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago, appreciated the visit and choosing the emirate to be a beneficiary of the intervention. He pledged to disseminate the information and encourage beneficiaries to utilize the free health services. “We welcome this initiative, as this partnership will boost the well-being of our people”
