By Mubarak Aliyu kobi
Over 734,000 caregivers had received conditional cash transfers totaling over ₦4 billion, aimed at promoting infant immunization across 11 Northern states.
This initiative by New Incentives, All Babies Are Equal (NI-ABAE), has been making waves in Bauchi State’s healthcare landscape since its launch in 2022.
The program’s impact has been substantial, leading to a 32 percentage point drop in zero-dose children in Bauchi. More than 325 locals from Bauchi have also gained employment through the initiative.
According to Mr. Nura Muhammad, the NGO’s Stakeholder Relations Director, partnerships with government bodies and community backing were key to this success.
Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed praised NI-ABAE’s efforts, calling their contribution to infant immunization one of the most impactful in the state’s healthcare.
The Governor was briefed on the program’s achievements during a visit by the NGO to the Government House.
Governor Bala has pledged full government backing for the initiative and directed the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency to allocate office space to NI-ABAE.
He also wants the agency’s Executive Chairman to keep him updated on the program’s progress.
To boost participation, the Governor suggested adding maternity kits and other incentives for women accessing healthcare.
The NGO has appealed to Governor Bala to help amplify public awareness campaigns about immunization, including working with traditional leaders and radio advocacy to tackle vaccine hesitancy in rural communities.
