Vulnerable H’holds benefits from USAID’s cash transfers in Bauchi

By Samuel Luka, Bauchi

A project aimed at supporting Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and their families across Bauchi State has been launched by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with Bauchi state government, through the State Contributory Health Management Agency and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Child Development and Social Welfare.

The project which is been funded by Integrated Child Health and Social Services Award (ICHSSA-4) is aimed at ensuring Health Insurance Premium Payments and Cash Transfers to Vulnerable Households in Bauchi state.

The intervention includes: Health Insurance of Payment of N10,809,000 as health insurance premiums for 1,201 beneficiaries, Cash Transfer Scheme which has reached 1,503 beneficiaries, each receiving N20,000, amounting to a total of N30,060,000 for the period of the ceremony.

The total amount for the interventions is N40,869,000 by the ICHSSA-4 project, a five-year initiative (2019-2024), which is implemented by Pro-Health International as the lead organisation, with Catholic Relief Services serving as a technical
partner.

The project seeks to mitigate the impact of HIV and other drivers of vulnerability in Bauchi and five other states: Adamawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.

These programs are designed to uplift the lives of vulnerable children and their families by offering sustainable economic opportunities and a range of integrated services.

Dr. Joseph Inyang, Chief of Party for the USAID-funded ICHSSA-4 project, emphasized the project’s unwavering commitment while speaking at the launch of the scheme in Bauchi.

He said that the mission of the project is to collaborate closely with state governments and local organizations to
provide high-quality, comprehensive services to those in urgent need.

According to him, by working together, the project is empowering every child to reach their full potential—ensuring they stay healthy, pursue their education, and grow up in safe, stable environments.

Dr. Inyang who emphasized the significance of the holistic approach to the project, noted that it is crucial for enhancing the well-being of children and families in Bauchi State.

“By offering a safety net and promoting economic resilience, we are laying the foundation for long-term financial independence for vulnerable households.” he said.

During the official launching ceremony, presentation
of dummy cheques to beneficiaries of the Cash Transfer and Bauchi State Contributory Health Management Agency and the distribution of health insurance cards to beneficiaries took place.