Benue Boosts Preparedness, Reactivates Emergency Response Centers Against COVID Threat

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Benue State Government has announced the reactivation of its Public Health Emergency Response Centers as part of proactive measures to prevent any outbreak of COVID in the state.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, made this known while speaking to journalists in Makurdi. He also stated that the state has recorded no case of Lassa Fever in the past four weeks.
It would be recalled that a Chinese national recently tested positive for Coronavirus in Cross River State, raising concerns across the country, particularly in Benue State which shares a border with Cross River.
Dr Ogwuche explained that the reactivation of the Public Health Emergency Response Centers is part of the state’s preparedness strategy, noting that the centers are now fully functional with all operational pillars active.
Providing an update on Lassa Fever, the Commissioner said the state is making significant progress in combating the disease. He disclosed that the latest report from the State Epidemiologist indicates zero cases in the last four weeks.
He said, “We are winning. I spoke with the State Epidemiologist today, and he confirmed that there are currently no patients on admission. For the past four weeks, we have continued screening without recording any positive case. However, the incubation period is 42 days, and if we reach that mark without any positive case, we can declare the state free of Lassa Fever.
“So far, we are doing well. There are no new cases. The success recorded is due to early detection and the support of various partners. The state government also provided funding, enabling extensive training, procurement of personal protective equipment, public sensitization through jingles and messages, as well as active case finding in communities.
“We also sought support from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), who responded and assisted us. The support came from various quarters.”
Speaking on the renovation of Primary Health Care Centers in the state, the Commissioner noted that significant progress has been made, emphasizing that the Governor prioritizes the functionality of PHC centers.
He added that in late 2025, additional health workers were recruited into the PHC system, though some gaps still remain.
According to him, the government and the Ministry are working steadily to bridge these gaps to ensure residents have access to quality healthcare services.
He said, “The plan is to revitalize all PHC centers across the 276 council wards in the state with perimeter fencing, solar-powered lighting systems, adequate staffing, and necessary consumables. These plans are fully underway, and more than 110 PHC centers are currently being revitalized.”