Benue Govt Deepens Maternal Health Drive, Begins Strategic Training

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The Benue State Government has intensified efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality, reinforcing its reform-driven health agenda under Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

This followed the commencement of a five-day Training of Master Trainers on Comprehensive Abortion Care, Post-Abortion Care, Family Planning, Safe Delivery, and Antenatal Services — a key intervention under the state’s broader health transformation plan.

Declaring the programme open, the Honourable Commissioner for Health and Human  services, Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, said the initiative reflects the Governor’s commitment to translating policy into measurable impact across communities.

He noted that current indicators remain a concern, with under-five mortality at 53 per 1,000 live births and neonatal mortality at 19 per 1,000, while maternal deaths continue to be driven by largely preventable causes.

He emphasized that under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth  Alia, the health sector is shifting from routine interventions to structured, result-oriented programmes designed to strengthen service delivery at all levels.

According to the commissioner, the training will produce skilled Master Trainers from Gwer-West and Okpokwu Local Government Areas, who will in turn build the capacity of frontline health workers across facilities within the coming months.

He added that this approach ensures that government investments translate directly into improved care for women and children at the grassroots.

“The programme aligns with the 2025–2027 State Health Strategic Plan championed by Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, aimed at delivering safer pregnancies, increased family planning uptake, and better health outcomes statewide.

“We acknowledge the support of IPAS Nigeria Health Foundation. The  state government remains focused on accountability, quality care, and measurable results.

“I  call on you participants to uphold professionalism, confidentiality, and respect in service delivery as they translate the knowledge gained into practice”, he stated.

According to him, the state Government  anticipates measurable improvements in antenatal care attendance, increased skilled birth deliveries, and a sustained reduction in preventable maternal and neonatal complications as implementation progresses.