News
New Incentive enroll over 450,000 infants for Immunization, expends N1.2b
Nasiru Yusuf
New Incentive Enroll Over 450,000 Infants for Immunization, Expends 1.2 Billion in Nigeria as All Babies Are Equal (ABAE) said the program which aim to reduce child mortality through cost-effective and evidence-based health intervention said it has enrolled over 450,000 infants whose caregivers have received over 1.2 billion naira in conditional cash transfer between 2017 to date.
KANO FOCUS reports that ABAE disburses cash incentives to caregivers conditional on infants receiving five vaccines: BCG (against tuberculosis), PENTA (against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b), PCV (against pneumococcal disease), and MCV 1&2 (against measles).
As a result of the cash transfers which compensate for transport, lost trading income, and waiting time while creating behavioural change through awareness of routine immunizations, an independent impact assessment of NI-ABAE’s CCTs for RI program (2017 – 2020) found that the program increases the likelihood that children would be fully immunized by 27 percentage points, and increases rates of individual vaccinations by 14 to 21 percentage points.
In a communique issued on the recent visit of the National Partners of New Incentive-All Babies Are Equal Initiative monitoring visit to Katsina and Jigawa it said, beyond vaccination, the assessment found that the program contributed to improved knowledge about vaccination among caregivers in the catchment areas served by the program.
The NGO’s partnerships with relevant Government agencies in the health sector both at national, state and local government levels, help to improve demand generation for routine immunization and other supply-side supports for the routine immunization system.
And that NI-ABAE has received commitments of over $29 million of funding over the next 3 years to reach over 1 million caregivers and their infants in Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Bauchi,Gombe and Kano States.
This covers expansion to 65 LGAs inclusive of the current 27 intervening LGAs with continued operations through December 2024.
Resolutions contained in the communique signed on the 10th day of February 2022 by:
Edward Iyamu – Senior Scientific Officer Child Health Division, Federal Ministry of Health
Adetokunboh Aderoju – National Co-responsibility Officer, National Cash Transfer Office.
Gabriel Ikechuckwu – Monitoring and Evaluation Division Federal Ministry of Health
Ugwuegbu Ifeoma Augustina. – Chief Health Education Officer Health Promotion Division Federal Ministry of Health
Zara Shettima- Assistant Chief Executive Officer (General Duty) – Research and Knowledge Management Division Federal Ministry of Health and others reads;
“The New Incentives – All Babies Are Equal Initiative will continue to align its programs and policies including routine immunization plans and priorities with the Government of Nigeria at all levels.
Immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions, saving 2 to 3 million lives yearly (WHO). Evidence suggests that a 27 percentage points increase in the likelihood that children will be fully immunized by a Conditional Cash Transfer for routine immunization program (NI-ABAE RCT Impact Assessment 2017-2020).
The New Incentives – All Babies Are Equal Initiative will continue to support demand creation and other components of routine immunization in the 5 States and by proxy at the national level.
New Incentives – All Babies Are Equal Initiative will continue to provide transparent and regular updates to all stakeholders and also provide support on routine immunization, health, and social protection.
The Government of Nigeria(GoN) shall continue to provide the enabling environment to the NI-ABAE program at all levels, provide the needed support to ensure the expansion of the NI-ABAE program, ensure adequate vaccine supply and human resources for health in all health facilities.
The GoN shall engage all relevant state actors to ensure successful Conditional Cash Transfer programming, accountability among health workers including proper reporting of vaccine utilisation and routine immunization coverage.
States to adopt and adapt Models demonstrated by Katsina & Jigawa to scale-up RI intervention”.
Headlines
Gully erosion in Kano: Gov. Yusuf partners World Bank, FG to implement mega project at Gayawa
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Governor Abba Kabir has visited Gayawa Gully Erosion site and promised to address the environmental challenges and improve the lives of the people in the area.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Governor made this promise during a visit to the site on Friday.
Governor Yusuf said that, the visit marked the new chapter in the journey towards addressing the persistent environmental challenges that have plagues the community of Bulbula- Gayawa for in Ungoggo Local Government which also affects parts of Nasarawa and Fagge local government areas for decades.
He added that, the urgent concerns raised by the devastating gully erosion necessitated immediate and decisive action to protect the lives and properties of the people in the community.
“The destructive effects of the gully erosion has not only claimed the lives but has inflicted untold hardship from the tragic loss of farmlands to the dangers faced by the children as they travel to school.” Gov. Yusuf emphasised
“The site has regrettably became a place where criminal activities flourished and the loss of children due to flooding during the rainy season, it is heartbreaking,” the governor lamented.
He added that, his administration is firmly committed to tackling the erosion challenges in Bulbula- Gayawa as part of the larger mission to address land degradation, environmental risks and impacts of climate change throughout the state.
Governor Yusuf revealed that the work would be done through the Agro-climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) under the supervision of state ministry of environment which enjoys strategic partnership with World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The governor also informed the members of the community that, the ground work for the erosion control has been completed and it would require billions of naira to execute.
“The significant steps taken by the state government to halt indiscriminate and illegal sand mining activities in several areas and embarked on extensive land restoration projects including the rehabilitation of shelterbelt at Yanbawa and Sabongarin Ginzo.
“The restoration of over 21,261hectares of degraded land and the establishment of wood lot plantation, this initiative have been instrumental in mitigating desertification restoring land fertility and promoting sustainable livelihood for our people.
“Beyond controlling erosion, we are implementing community support programmes to revive livelihoods and rebuild what has been lost. Our livelihood support includes agricultural inputs and skill-building initiatives that will empower families and foster productivity in a secure and peaceful environment.
“The current administration is committed to ensuring that no community is left behind. Today, we are here to affirm that your voices have been heard, and we will tirelessly work to restore safety, security, and prosperity to Bulbula-Gayawa and its surrounding areas,” the governor assured.
In his response on behalf of the community, Village Head of Zango, Malam Hamza Jibrin Nuhu appreciated the concern shown by the governor, disclosing that Governor Yusuf was the first and only governor that visited the Gully Erosion site.
He also prayed for governor and wished him success in all the good policies planned for the development of Kano.
Headlines
Underperforming Officials Face Removal as Governor Yusuf Plans Cabinet Overhaul
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced a potential cabinet reshuffle, signaling his intention to remove underperforming members.
This follows his receipt of a report from a committee assessing the performance of his cabinet members.
Governor Yusuf shared this update during a live radio interview with select media outlets at the Government House, noting that the public would soon be informed of the government’s next steps.
Governor Yusuf emphasized that his close collaboration with cabinet members over the past year and a half has given him firsthand insight into their abilities, allowing him to make independent decisions on their future in his administration.
He affirmed that no commissioner in his administration lobbied for their position, adding that he based his appointments on each person’s experience, credibility, and expert recommendations.
Highlighting his expectations, Governor Yusuf said he requires absolute loyalty to himself, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the Kwankwasiyya Movement from his commissioners.
He stressed that he expects dedication, proactive initiatives, and a strong commitment to advancing Kano State’s development.
On poverty alleviation, the governor reported ongoing efforts to distribute foodstuffs across urban and rural areas, aimed at easing the hardship caused by the recent petroleum subsidy removal.
He assured that this assistance would continue to support vulnerable residents.
Governor Yusuf also revealed ongoing upgrades to KASCO, the state-owned fertilizer production company, to enhance agricultural output by providing farmers with adequate fertilizer supplies.
Additionally, he underscored his administration’s focus on empowering women and youth, noting that each month, 52,000 women and youths across the state receive N50,000 to start small businesses and promote self-reliance.
The governor’s remarks underscore his commitment to performance-driven governance and a responsive administration that prioritizes the welfare of Kano’s citizens.
Headlines
MNCH: Gov Yusuf re-opens Nuhu Bamalli maternity hospital
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
As part of his efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality rate , Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has re-commissioned the Bamalli Nuhu Maternity Hospital following extensive renovations conducted by his administration.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Thursday.
Addressing attendees at the hospital’s re-commissioning ceremony on Thursday, the Governor expressed satisfaction with the upgraded facility.
He noted that upon taking office, the hospital was in a deteriorated state and one of the first locations he prioritized for improvement.
“Today, the result of that commitment has come to fruition.”
Governor Yusuf urged stakeholders of the hospital to maintain the newly installed equipment and keep the facility clean, emphasizing the importance of providing effective healthcare services to the residents of Kano.
He reassured the people of the state that his administration is committed to delivering quality healthcare.
In line with this vision, he announced that contracts for the renovation of all General Hospitals across the State have been awarded to benefit all citizens.
During the event, the Governor distributed essential medical supplies to hospitals across Kano State.