From Olanrewaju Lawal Birnin Kebbi
The USAID-ICHSSA 4 Project has paid over N52 million to settle health Insurance Premium Payments of 1,308 orphans and vulnerable children as well as procurement of vocational equipments for various beneficiaries in Kebbi State.
The vocational skills equipment worth N41 million was handed over to 235 caregivers and cash transfers of N20,000 were distributed each to 556 caregivers, amounting to N11,120,000 with grand total of N52,747,400 for the ceremony.
Chief of USAID -ICHSSA-4, Dr. Joseph Inyang, disclosed this in Birnin Kebbi during the official launching of the ICHSSA-4 Project in collaboration with the Kebbi State Government.
Inyang said: “The intervention includes, Health Insurance with Payment of over 6 million Naira in health insurance premiums for 1,308 beneficiaries. Instant cash transfers of 20,000 Naira each to 556 beneficiaries to alleviate financial burdens.
“Start-up Kits Distribution: Provision of vocational skills training and start-up kits to 235 program participants.”
He explained that the ICHSSA-4 project is a five-year initiative (2019-2024), implemented by Pro-Health International as the Prime and Catholic Relief Services as a technical partner.
“The project aims to mitigate the impact of HIV and other causes of vulnerability in Kebbi State and five other states, including Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
“These interventions are designed to improve the quality of life for children and families in Kebbi State by empowering them and their households through sustainable economic growth and comprehensive and integrated service delivery.
“Our commitment to partnering with state governments and local stakeholders remains unwavering. Together, we are focused on delivering high-quality, holistic services to the most vulnerable populations. By strengthening these collaborations, we aim to empower every child with the opportunity to thrive—ensuring they stay healthy, continue their education, and grow up in safe, stable environments that foster their full potential.”
He further emphasized, “This comprehensive initiative, which combines health insurance, cash transfers, and vocational empowerment, is crucial for enhancing the well-being of children and families in Kebbi State. By providing a safety net and promoting economic stability, it paves the way for long-term financial independence and resilience among vulnerable households.
“None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners and stakeholders. I extend my deepest thanks to the Government of Kebbi State, the Ministries of Health,and Women Affairs,and the Kebbi State Agency for the Control of AIDS(DACA). Your collaboration has been instrumental in turning our shared vision into reality.
“I also want to express my gratitude to USAID for their generous funding and continued belief in this mission. Together, we are transforming lives “, he said.
In her remark, the Wife of Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Nafisa Idris, represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Hajiya Maryam Abubakar Tafida noted that for the past year, the collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs and Child development and other relevant Government ministries and agencies have delivered.
“This collaboration has been instrumental in delivering inclusive, need-based, age-appropriate, and evidence-based interventions to the most vulnerable in the State, contributing significantly to HIV epidemic control and ensuring uninterrupted access to care and support services across all local government areas of Kebbi State.
“Today, we embark on a journey of hope, empowerment and community development that goes beyond the mere distribution of financial assistance and start-up kits. Generously funded by the USAID, the ICHSSA-4Oroject signifies a powerful alliance between Government, international partners, and local communities, all dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by orphans and vulnerable children and their households.”
The Governor’s Wife urged the 556 beneficiaries of the cash transfer scheme, the 1,307 health insurance scheme and the 235 recipients of the start-up+kits to utilize their tool judiciously.
She commended USAID, Pro-Health International (PHI), Catholic Relief Services (CRS) of the ICHSSA-4 Project and other USAID implementing partners, KESACA for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of the people of the state.
The official launch event featured keynote addresses, testimonials from vocational training graduates, and the distribution of health insurance cards and start-up kits to beneficiaries.
Distinguished attendees also included; the Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, represented by the Permanent Secretary; the Commissioner of Health, also represented by the Permanent Secretary; the Program Manager of Kebbi State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA); the Director of Budget and Economic Planning; Permanent Secretaries and Directors from various ministries; Civil Society Organizations of the ICHSSA-4 project; USAID implementing partners in the state; and other esteemed guests who participated in the launch.