In a bid to alleviate the financial burden that prevents the poor and vulnerable from accessing quality healthcare services in the communities, Niger State has secured funding support from Gavi, the vaccine alliance, to enroll zero-dose children and vulnerable people into the state health insurance scheme. The executive secretary of Niger State Contributory Health Agency (NiCare) Sulayman Abu-bakr, disclosed this during an advocacy visit to the Etsu Nupe and chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Alhaji(Dr) Yahaya Abubakar, at his palace in Bida local government area, Niger State. The visit was in collaboration with the UNICEF team through which the funds will be disburse The Nicare boss noted that among the LGAs in Niger State, Bida LGA is notable for several reasons, but sadly, it stands out in the Primary Health Care and routine immunisation landscape for its large number of zero-dose children.
He said „To clarify, zero-dose children are those who have never received any childhood vaccines appropriate for their age. These vaccines are available for free at our Primary Health Care Centers. “A significant issue contributing to zero-dose children is the lack or limited access to healthcare services.
This situation has prompted state leadership to seek support from donors and development partners to provide relief to the residents. “I am pleased to inform Your Royal Highness that Niger State has secured funding support from Gavi, the vac.
