A non-governmental organisation (NGO) known as Jennifer Etuh Foundation, has enrolled no fewer than 1000 widows into the Kaduna State contributory Healthcare Scheme as part of efforts to empower vulnerable women in society.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries were selected across 11 districts in Kagoro Chiefdom of Kaura Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking during flag-off of the event, the foundation’s programme manager, Mr Joseph Otu, said that the initiative was part of the organisation’s efforts at empowering vulnerable women.

“The economic empowerment of women is what the foundation stands for and this is what we have been doing for the past five years.

“These women have lost their husbands and are exposed to economic hardship and so there is no better way to support them than by ensuring they can access free healthcare,” he said

Otu emphasised the importance of universal healthcare access, especially for the poor and underserved.

According to him, the insurance scheme will run for one year and will cover comprehensive primary and secondary healthcare services for all beneficiaries.

In his remarks, Mr Abubakar Sadiq, team lead informal sector, Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Agency (KADCHMA) described the enrolment of the beneficiaries as the largest in the history of the state.

He commended the foundation for it’s commitment to bridging the gap on access to healthcare across communities.

Sadiq called on other stakeholders to emulate the foundation in enhancing healthcare access for the downtrodden.

Also speaking, the Chief of Kagoro, Ufuwai Bonet, represented by Rev. Stephen Sambo, described the gesture as a ‘life saving and poverty reducing initiative’.

NAN reports that a beneficiary, Rifkatu Abraham thanked the foundation for having the less privileged at heart.

Another beneficiary, Theresa Pius, expressed joy and gratitude to God for being a part of the initiative.