Benue Govt, WHO organise workshop on workforce, data validations 

From Gabriel Agbo, Makurdi 

The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has organised a workshop  to strengthening Health Workforce Profile and Registry Information validation in the State.

The workshop which was held in Makurdi at the weekend was  targeted at reviewing, validating, and initiating the publication of comprehensive data on the State’s health workforce.

Speaking at the event, the State commissioner for health and human services Paul Ogwuche, commended the World Health Organization for its consistent partnership and technical support.

Ogwuche noted that  the collaboration had laid a solid foundation for evidence-based reform in the State’s health sector describing the workshop as a landmark step toward strengthening health system planning and improving service delivery in line with the vision of Governor Hyacinth  Alia, for a healthier Benue.

He  intimated that with technical support from WHO, the State has successfully developed a detailed profile capturing who the health workers are, where they are located, their skill mix, and the existing service gaps across all levels of the health sector.

“The validation exercise represents a transition from data generation to data utilization. The real value of data lies in its application to drive evidence-based decisions in workforce planning, deployment, and policy implementation.

“Once published, “the Benue State Health Workforce Profile will guide equitable posting of health workers, align training institutions with service needs, and enable government and partners to mobilize resources more effectively.”

“I  urge you participants to be constructive and forward-looking, as the  would further move Benue closer to achieving a health workforce that is fit for purpose, resilient, and responsive to the needs of the people”, Ogwuche stated.

According to him, the validation workshop reflects  Governor Alia administration’s strong commitment to using data and evidence to strengthen healthcare delivery and ensure that every Benue citizen has access to quality, equitable, and efficient health services.

Participants at the workshop were drawn from the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Benue State Primary Health Care Board, State Hospitals Management Board, Health Training Institutions, Local Government Health Departments, professional associations, and development partners, among others.