The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) has launched Alaafia Universal Health Coverage Scheme (AUHCS) to mark this year's International Women's Day.

Under the scheme, the foundation will provide funding support to enrol 4,800 beneficiaries in the Kwara State Community Health Insurance Scheme annually.

The targeted beneficiaries, according to the founder of the foundation and former First Lady of the state, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, include pregnant women, children under the age of five years; adolescent girls; persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and the elderly.

While International Women's Day is celebrated once a year, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa and its leadership urged the global community to use each day to make a difference in women's rights, health and empowerment.

Mrs Saraki restated her call-to-action for improved access to prompt and qualitative reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH); the elimination of gender-based discrimination, abuse, neglect and violence; and improved gender-equality and fairness to women and girls.

As part of activities marking the Women's Day, Mrs Saraki also led the team of Alaafia Kwara Women's Forum and Joint Toyin Groups (JTG) to pay a condolence visit to Hajia Kudirat Lawal, leader of JTG, who recently lost her husband.

During the visit, Mrs Saraki consoled with Mrs Lawal, saying, "Widowhood is painful, but with the grace of the Almighty God, you are not alone; we shall always be there for you and your children, to fulfill your late husband’s legacies."