Navrongo: The Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocesan Development Organisation (NABOCADO) has taken a significant step by renewing and enrolling 1,347 refugee children onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), facilitating their access to healthcare services.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Joseph Bangu, the Executive Director of NABOCADO, highlighted this initiative as a response to a needs assessment conducted at the refugee center. The assessment revealed that, alongside food shortages, there was a pressing need for health services. While initial funding from the Dicastery for the Services of Charity in Rome and other donors focused on providing food and non-food items, the organization recognized the gap in healthcare access.
Dr. Bangu explained that many children were not enrolled in the NHIS, and some adults held invalid cards. As a result, NABOCADO prioritized registering those without cards and renewing invalid ones to ensure that refugees could access basic health services. As part of its health package, the organization also provided personal hygiene items such as toothpaste and sanitary pads.
Mr. Sebastian Tule, the Health Programmes Focal Person for NABOCADO, noted that the renewed NHIS cards for these children will remain valid until mid-2025. He emphasized the focus on children due to limited resources and their vulnerability, though he assured that adult needs were also considered. Tule further pointed out concerns about low immunization coverage and malnutrition among refugee children.
Parents expressed gratitude for the initiative, acknowledging the Catholic Church and NABOCADO's efforts, while also calling for continued support to improve their living conditions. NABOCADO reiterated its commitment to assisting the vulnerable and encouraged other stakeholders to contribute to the cause.