The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Integrated Child Health and Social Services Award (ICHSSA-4) Project, has launched Health Insurance Premium Payments and Cash Transfers for Vulnerable Households in Bauchi State.
The scheme was launched in partnership with the Bauchi State Government, Bauchi State Contributory Health Management Agency, and the Bauchi State Ministry of Women Affairs, Child Development and Social Welfare and it is an innovative program
aimed at supporting Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and their families across Bauchi State.
The intervention includes: Health Insurance of Payment of N10,809,000 paid as health insurance premiums for 1,201 beneficiaries, Cash Transfer Scheme which has reached 1,503 beneficiaries, each receiving N20,000,
amounting to a total of N30,060,000 for the period of the ceremony.
The total amount for the interventions is N40,869,000 by the ICHSSA-4 project, a five-year initiative (2019-2024), which is implemented by Pro-Health International as the lead organisation, with Catholic Relief Services serving as a technical
partner.
The project seeks to mitigate the impact of HIV and other drivers of vulnerability in Bauchi and five other states: Adamawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
These programs are designed to uplift the lives of vulnerable children and their families by offering sustainable economic opportunities and a range of integrated services.
Dr. Joseph Inyang, Chief of Party for the USAID-funded ICHSSA-4 project, emphasized the project’s unwavering commitment while speaking at the launch of the scheme in Bauchi.
According to him, “Our mission is to collaborate closely with state governments and local organizations to
provide high-quality, comprehensive services to those in urgent need.”
He stressed, “By working together, we are empowering every child to reach their full potential — ensuring they stay healthy, pursue their education, and grow up in safe, stable environments.”
Dr. Inyang also emphasized the significance of the holistic approach stating, “This program, integrating
health insurance and cash transfers are crucial for enhancing the well-being of children and families in Bauchi State. By offering a safety net and promoting economic resilience, we are laying the foundation for long-term financial independence for vulnerable households.”
The official launch event included keynote speeches, testimonials from graduates of the vocational training program and beneficiaries of start-up business equipment, presentation
of dummy cheques to beneficiaries of the Cash Transfer and Bauchi State Contributory Health Management Agency and the distribution of health insurance cards to beneficiaries.
Attendees included representatives of the First Lady, Commissioner of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Child Development and Social Welfare; representative of the state Ministry of Health; the Director of Budget and Economic Planning; Bauchi State Contributory Management Agency; Permanent Secretaries and Directors from various ministries; Civil Society Organizations involved in the ICHSSA-4 project; other USAID implementing partners; and other notable guests as contained in a statement by Kennedy Jonathan, Communications Specialist.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE