Benue Govt flags off Sexual reproduction training for College Of Nursing Sciences.

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

Benue State government has charged  those saddled with the responsibility of provide training in the health related field to remain committed in order to become champions of quality reproductive healthcare and gender-based violence response across the State.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche gave the charge while declaring opened, a Five-Day Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Emergencies (SRHRiE) and Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE) Training of Trainers (ToT) for the College of Nursing Sciences, Makurdi, 

The training, held at the Conference Hall of the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Makurdi, is being implemented through the collaborative efforts of the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), BICD, the Benue State Primary Health Care Board (BSPHCB) and the Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (MOWASD). Ogwuche described the training as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening the capacity of healthcare educators to deliver quality training on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Emergencies (SRHRiE) and Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE), particularly in humanitarian and emergency settings.

The Commissioner noted that emergencies disproportionately affect women, girls and other vulnerable populations, increasing their exposure to gender-based violence while disrupting access to essential sexual and reproductive health services.

He stressed that equipping trainers with current knowledge and practical skills is vital to building a resilient health workforce capable of providing timely, quality and survivor-centred care.

He explained that the Training of Trainers (ToT) model is expected to create a multiplier effect, as participants will transfer the knowledge and competencies acquired to student nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals, thereby strengthening healthcare service delivery across Benue State.

Ogwuche reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of His Excellency Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to transforming the health sector through strategic investments in human resource development, continuous professional education and strong partnerships with development organisations.

According to the Commissioner, the health vision of the current administration is to build a resilient, accessible, equitable and people-centred healthcare system that guarantees quality and affordable healthcare services for every resident of Benue State, especially women, children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups.

He commended UNFPA, UNHCR, BICD, the Benue State Primary Health Care Board (BSPHCB), the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (MOWASD) and other stakeholders for their unwavering

Support and collaboration in strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers and institutions across the state. He noted that such partnerships remain indispensable in addressing public health challenges and improving health outcomes for the people of Benue.

The Commissioner urged participants to actively engage throughout the five-day training, embrace innovative approaches to learning and effectively cascade the knowledge acquired to other healthcare workers, thereby contributing to improved emergency preparedness, quality maternal healthcare and comprehensive gender-based violence response services.

The integrated training is expected to enhance the capacity of faculty members of the College of Nursing Sciences, Makurdi, to deliver standardized, evidence-based instruction on SRHRiE and GBViE while strengthening the state’s preparedness to respond to humanitarian emergencies and protect the health, dignity and rights of affected populations.

The initiative further reflects the shared commitment of the Benue State Government and its development partners to advancing the state’s health agenda and achieving a stronger, more responsive and sustainable healthcare system for all.