Boosting Immunization in Katsina: Governor Radda Partners with New Incentives to Support 800,000 Caregivers

The Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda has launched a cash donation programme for over 800,000 caregivers, courtesy of NGO New Incentives, to boost routine immunization in the state. The initiative provides a livelihood grant of 5,000 naira to caregivers whose children have completed their routine immunization.

Katsina Post Learnt that the programme, tagged ‘All Babies Are Equal (ABAE)’, offers financial assistance to encourage the routine vaccination of children and combat vaccine-preventable diseases.

While Speaking at the launch of the programme, Governor Dikko Radda revealed that the programme is aim to promote immunization and invest in the future of the state, recognizing that healthy children are the foundation of a prosperous society. Governor Radda emphasized that vaccination is every child's fundamental right and it's the government's duty to eliminate barriers to access.

Dr. Dikko Radda also revealed that the initiative, in partnership with the NGO New Incentives, is aim to enhance immunization rates and improve the economic well-being of families.

The governor noted that by supporting caregivers financially, the initiative is not only promoting immunization but also investing in the future of Katsina State.

To further strengthen healthcare delivery, the Governor also flagged off the distribution of 163 motorcycles to health workers. These vehicles will improve accessibility to remote areas, ensuring that no child is left behind in receiving life-saving vaccinations.

Additionally, Governor Radda commissioned a new Routine Immunization Healthcare Coordination Center, a strategic move to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of immunization programs across the state.

The operation coordinator, New Incentives, Ahmad Abdussalam Liadi said that the program provides caregivers with cash incentives of N1,000 per visit for vaccinating their children at participating health facilities. After completing six visits, caregivers receive an additional N5,000 bonus to encourage full vaccination.

According to Liadi, the programme which initially launched in 2017 has significantly improve immunization rates with 60% in Katsina and contribute to the reduction of preventable diseases among children.

He expressed gratitude to the state government for supporting the program and appreciated the cooperation received from the SPHCD Agency under the leadership of Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahya.

The Katsina State Commissioner of Health, Hon. Musa Adamu Funtua in his remarks underscored the crucial role of routine immunization in protecting children's health. 

He reaffirmed the state government's unwavering commitment to the well-being of its citizens.

The Commissioner urged mothers, caregivers, and traditional rulers to actively participate in the immunization program and educate their communities about the benefits of vaccinating children. 

In his address, the ES SPHCDA, Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahya thanked the governor for his commitments to wellbeing of the citizens.

He emphasized that immunization is essential in preventing the spread of diseases and safeguarding the health of future generations.