A non-governmental organisation, New Incentives, said it will disburse over N4.1 billion to about 830,000 mothers and caregivers upon completion of routine immunisation of their children in Katsina State.

The Director, Stakeholders Relations, Nura Muhammad, made the disclosure at the inauguration of the disbursement on Monday in Katsina.

The director said that was in addition to the N1, 000 given to them at each of the six rounds of immunisation visits.

He said that the programme was under the All Babies Are Equal Livelihood Grant, being implemented in the state, and other states of the federation.

Mr Muhammad said the grant was a strategic addition to their ongoing efforts to strengthen routine immunisation of their children.

He said, “We will offer about 830,000 caregivers an incentive of N5,000 upon completion of all rounds of immunisation for their children. This support is to reward their dedication and commitment to protecting their children from life-threatening diseases.

“Under the ABAE programme, mothers or caregivers receive 1,000 at each immunisation visit, accumulating to N6,000 by the time their children receive the final doses of the measles 2 and yellow fever vaccines.’’

Mr Muhammad said that the initiative not only promotes the health of children, but also offers critical financial assistance to alleviate some of the burdens they might encounter.

The director further revealed that the NI was committed to strengthening the broader health system in states.

He said, “We work with State Primary Healthcare Agencies to ensure smooth delivery of vaccines and availability of top-up supplies, contributing to sustainability and effectiveness of routine immunisation services.”

According to him, the programme, which started in 2017, with 12 per cent coverage of immunisation in Katsina State, has reached over 49 per cent.

In his remarks, Governor Dikko Radda, who said that immunisation was a fundamental right of every child, stressed the need for eliminating barriers preventing them from receiving the vaccines.

He said that his administration renovated and upgraded 102 primary healthcare centres across the state, three per each local government, to enhance healthcare services delivery at grassroots.

The governor, therefore, urged parents and caregivers to present their children for routine immunisation at the ongoing oral polio vaccine which he said was safe and effective.

(NAN)