To improve routine immunization and retention rates in Bauchi State, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, and NI-ABAE launched the All Babies Livelihood Grant program addition. This addition to the All Babies program offers an additional ₦5,000 to caregivers who complete their child's vaccination schedule.

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The launch ceremony took place at the Town Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) Dass and was organized by the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board (BSPHCDB) with support from NI-ABAE. Attendees included Executive Chairmen of Dass Local Government Area (LGA) and BSPHCDB, a representative from WHO, District Heads, and other traditional and community leaders.

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Government Endorsement

In his speech, Umar Faruq Abubakar, the Head of Administration of Dass LGA, representing the Chairman, described the launch as a milestone in the history of Bauchi State’s healthcare system.

“Today’s event marks the beginning of a new chapter in health service delivery in Bauchi State. The addition to the NI-ABAE program represents a significant effort to improve access to quality healthcare services and reduce disparities,” he said. He also commended the Bauchi State Emirs, district heads, health workers, and partners for their support in making the All Babies program successful. “Your support, commitment, and collaborative effort are pivotal in ensuring that this program reaches those who mostly need it.”

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Dan Asabe Abdullahi, State Director of Public Health, representing the Commissioner of Health, praised the initiative, especially amid economic hardship.

“If sustained, this program will help reduce childhood deaths from preventable diseases,” he said. He urged caregivers to give birth in health facilities and complete their children's immunizations.

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How the Program Works‍

“When caregivers bring their infants in for their routine immunizations at a government clinic, the All Babies program provides a small cash incentive of ₦1,000 for each of the six visits required for her child to complete the immunization schedule, totaling ₦6,000 over 15 months,” explained Nura Muhammad, NI-ABAE Stakeholder Relations Director. “Now, I am delighted to inform you all here, that upon completion of the immunization schedule, caregivers will now be given a token of  ₦5,000, which will bring all the cash incentives she received over her 15 months of visits to  ₦11,000,” he disclosed.

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Khadija Muhammad, a Dass resident who completed her child's immunization and received the additional ₦5,000 grant, said the incentives have been very helpful.

“Sometimes, when he has a fever after immunization, I use the money to buy pain relievers. I also buy detergent to wash his clothes,” she said.

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The Emir’s Support

The Emir of Dass, who also serves as the Co-Chair of the Bauchi State Task Force on Primary Health Care, welcomed the program addition. He said the livelihood grant is an intervention at the right time, urging caregivers to utilize it.

“In reality, we know that what’s stopping many caregivers from going to the clinic to access care is the lack of transportation fares from their homes to the clinic,” he said. “This support will help ensure children get the protection they need.”

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He urged caregivers to stay committed to completing their children’s immunization schedules.

“As soon as you give birth, start vaccinations and return for every session until the 15th month. Do not miss any,” he advised. The Emir reassured the people of Bauchi State that traditional leaders fully support the program and will continue to advocate for their people's health and well-being.

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He concluded by thanking NI-ABAE and its partners for their commitment to strengthening immunization in Bauchi State.