USAID provides health insurance to 1,201 orphans, women in Bauchi

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has paid over N10.8 million in health insurance premiums for 1,201 orphans, vulnerable children, and their families in Bauchi State. This initiative, part of the Integrated Child Health and Social Services Award (ICHSSA-4) project, aims to alleviate the impact of HIV and other vulnerabilities in the region.

The five-year ICHSSA-4 project, led by Pro-Health International in partnership with Catholic Relief Services, also introduced a cash transfer scheme benefiting 1,503 women and children, each receiving N20,000. The total payout for the scheme amounts to more than N30 million.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Dr. Joseph Inyang, Chief of Party for the USAID-funded ICHSSA-4 project, said, “This program, integrating health insurance and cash transfers, is 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.”

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The program not only focuses on providing immediate financial relief but also offers vocational skills training and start-up kits to enable self-sufficiency. “The vocational skills training and start-up kits that will accompany this health insurance are equally vital,” remarked Bauchi State Deputy Governor Mohammed Auwal Jatau. “It represents an opportunity for self-sufficiency and resilience, enabling individuals to create sustainable livelihoods.”

Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, the wife of the Bauchi State governor, hailed the initiative as a step toward positive community transformation. She stated, “This support is a testament to the belief in your potential, resilience, and ability to shape a brighter future.”

The ICHSSA-4 project is being implemented across six states in Nigeria, including Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara, aiming to uplift vulnerable families and children while offering integrated services that promote health, education, and stability.