Benue Govt, UNFPA partner to strengthen health services in emergency situations 

From Gabriel Agbo, Makurdi 

The Benue State Government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have entered collaboration towards improving reproductive healthcare services and emergency health response across the state.

It was gathered that the collaboration was part of efforts to reduce maternal mortality and strengthen healthcare delivery for vulnerable populations.

This partnership formed part of a strategic coordination meeting between officials of the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services and a UNFPA delegation led by its Head of Office, held at the ministry headquarters in Makurdi.

Speaking during the meeting, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche said the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia remained committed to transforming the healthcare sector and improving access to quality healthcare services, especially for women, children and persons affected by emergencies and displacement.

According to him, “The administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia remains focused on strengthening healthcare systems, reducing maternal mortality, improving healthcare access, and fostering strategic partnerships capable of driving sustainable health sector reforms across Benue State.”

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration, coordination and capacity building to enhance reproductive healthcare services in emergency and humanitarian settings.

Stakeholders at the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to train nurses, midwives and frontline healthcare workers in reproductive healthcare services tailored for emergency situations.

The Commissioner stressed the need to equip healthcare personnel with the right skills to effectively respond to reproductive health challenges during humanitarian crises and public health emergencies.

Part of the discussions also centered on plans to develop a comprehensive training package that would integrate emergency reproductive healthcare into the academic curriculum for nurses and midwives.

Stakeholders noted that the initiative would help ensure long-term sustainability and institutional strengthening within the state’s healthcare sector.

The UNFPA delegation disclosed that reproductive health kits and essential medical supplies had already been procured and distributed to support service delivery at primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities across the state.

The delegation, however, raised concerns over a logistical mix-up involving some kits originally designated for Lagos State.

According to the delegation, efforts are ongoing to resolve the issue through “proper coordination and diplomatic communication channels.”

The meeting also explored strategies for mobilizing additional donor support by presenting the reproductive health and humanitarian challenges facing Benue State to development partners and international organizations.

Participants discussed plans for symbolic donation activities involving the Japanese Ambassador and other international representatives as part of broader advocacy efforts aimed at attracting global support for reproductive healthcare interventions in the state.

The stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for stronger coordination among health partners operating in the state in order to avoid duplication of efforts, improve resource utilization and ensure more effective healthcare interventions.

Speaking further, stakeholders called for renewed efforts toward reducing maternal mortality through expanded reproductive healthcare services, improved referral systems, enhanced healthcare access and sustained public health awareness campaigns.

They also acknowledged the critical role of the media in raising awareness, mobilizing donor support and sustaining momentum for reproductive healthcare initiatives in the state.

The UNFPA delegation commended the Benue State Government for what it described as its strong commitment to strengthening reproductive health systems and improving humanitarian healthcare coordination despite prevailing challenges.