By Femi Mustapha in Kaduna
The Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) is set to partner with the Voice of Hope Foundation to boost enrollment in the Kaduna State Contributory Health Scheme (KSCHS) among women and other vulnerable members of the informal sector.
KADCHMA Director-General Mallam Abubakar Hassan disclosed this during an awareness and empowerment program organized by the Voice of Hope Foundation, where business starter packs were distributed to less privileged women in Kaduna North Local Government Area.
Hassan, who was represented by the Head of Administration and Finance, Mallam Suleiman Mustapha, said KADCHMA remains committed to partnering with groups and organizations whose activities contribute to improving residents’ health and well-being and reducing out-of-pocket health care spending.
He explained that the authority would work closely with the Voice of Hope Foundation to support and enroll less privileged women in the Kaduna State Contributory Health Scheme, enabling them to access quality, affordable health care services.
The director-general commended the foundation’s founder, Hajiya Hajara Umar, for her efforts to support vulnerable women through skills-acquisition and empowerment initiatives, and urged other individuals and organizations to emulate her example.
Earlier, the foundation’s founder, Hajiya Hajara Umar, said the organization was established three years ago to complement government efforts by supporting less privileged women with skills training and business starter packs, enabling them to become self-reliant and contribute to their families’ well-being.
She explained that the foundation also seeks support from well-meaning individuals within and outside Kaduna State to expand its interventions and reach more vulnerable members of society.
The beneficiaries of the empowerment program were drawn from the 12 wards of Kaduna North Local Government Area.
Government officials attended the event: a representative of the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs; representatives of KADCHMA; traditional and religious leaders; women’s groups and associations; and other stakeholders.