Benue Strengthens Maternal, Child Health Services Through UNFPA Collaboration

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

In line with the healthcare transformation agenda of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to strengthen reproductive health services, especially in emergency and humanitarian situations across the state.

The partnership was reached during a strategic coordination meeting between officials of the Ministry and a delegation from UNFPA in Makurdi.
Discussions at the meeting focused on enhancing collaboration, coordination, and capacity building aimed at improving reproductive health service delivery during emergencies, while also addressing maternal and child health challenges in the state.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, reaffirmed the commitment of the Benue State Government to improving access to quality healthcare services for vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and persons affected by displacement and emergencies.
According to him, the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia remains committed to strengthening healthcare systems, reducing maternal mortality, improving healthcare access, and promoting strategic partnerships capable of driving sustainable reforms in the health sector across Benue State.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to train nurses, midwives, and frontline healthcare workers in reproductive health services tailored to emergency situations.
Stakeholders at the meeting stressed the need to equip healthcare workers with the required skills to effectively respond to reproductive health challenges during humanitarian crises and public health emergencies.
They further discussed the development of a comprehensive training package aimed at integrating emergency reproductive health into the academic curriculum for nurses and midwives to ensure long-term sustainability and institutional strengthening within the healthcare sector.
The UNFPA delegation disclosed that reproductive health kits and essential medical supplies had already been procured and distributed to support healthcare delivery at primary, secondary, and tertiary health institutions across the state.
The delegation, however, raised concerns over a logistical mix-up involving kits initially designated for Lagos State, noting that efforts were ongoing to resolve the matter through proper coordination and diplomatic communication channels.
The meeting also explored strategies for attracting additional donor support by presenting the reproductive health needs and humanitarian realities in Benue State to development partners and international organisations.
Stakeholders discussed plans for symbolic donation activities involving the Japanese Ambassador and other international representatives as part of advocacy efforts aimed at drawing global attention and support for reproductive health interventions in the state.
Participants emphasized the urgent need for stronger coordination among health partners operating in the state to avoid duplication of efforts, improve resource utilization, and ensure more effective healthcare interventions.
The meeting also stressed the importance of establishing a strong coordination platform that would bring together government agencies, development partners, and humanitarian organisations to harmonise activities and strengthen collective response mechanisms.
In addition, discussions highlighted the need to intensify efforts toward reducing maternal mortality through improved healthcare access, expanded reproductive health services, efficient referral systems, and sustained public health awareness campaigns.
Stakeholders acknowledged the critical role of media engagement and public communication in creating awareness, attracting donor support, and sustaining momentum around reproductive health initiatives and emergency response efforts.
The Ministry further reiterated the importance of maintaining close collaboration with local authorities and leveraging diplomatic channels to facilitate the smooth distribution of supplies, coordination of interventions, and support from international development partners.
The UNFPA delegation commended the Benue State Government for its commitment to strengthening reproductive health systems and humanitarian healthcare coordination despite prevailing challenges.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by both the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services and UNFPA to continue working together toward improving reproductive health outcomes, strengthening emergency preparedness, enhancing healthcare coordination, and attracting increased donor support for sustainable healthcare interventions across Benue State.