UNICEF strengthens Lassa Fever response in Benue, distributes WASH, dignity kits to displaced families

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Concerned about the rise in Lassa fever cases in Benue State, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has intensified its emergency intervention by distributing 900 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and dignity kits to displaced households across nine Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

The effort is focused on high-risk and densely populated areas to help curb the spread of the disease.
The exercise commenced at the International Market IDP camp, which accommodates displaced persons from Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking during the distribution, the Chief Field Officer of UNICEF, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, explained that as part of measures to strengthen infection prevention and control, contactless handwashing stations are being installed across the camps. According to her, this will promote safe hygiene practices while reducing the risk of cross-contamination, a key step in containing viral outbreaks.
She noted that the kits contain safe water storage containers and essential hygiene materials, which will help vulnerable households maintain proper sanitation and reduce exposure to rodent-borne infections.
Chiluwe added that UNICEF is working closely with state health authorities, combining the distribution of supplies with community engagement and risk communication strategies to tackle the outbreak and protect affected populations, especially children.
“In the face of the current Lassa fever outbreak, hygiene remains our first line of defense. These kits and the contactless handwashing stations are not just for comfort; they are lifesaving tools,” she said.
“By ensuring households can store water safely and wash their hands without surface contact, we are significantly lowering the risk of viral transmission and safeguarding children from preventable deaths.”
Also speaking, the Acting General Manager of the Benue Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (BERWASSA), Mr. Tony Nkpen, said that following the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state, the agency reached out to UNICEF for support.
He revealed that with UNICEF’s assistance, over 3,500 WASH and dignity kits have been provided to support IDPs and other vulnerable groups across the state.
Nkpen, who was represented by the WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group Rest Officer, Mr. Mathew Nyamve, assured that officials are on ground to ensure the items are properly distributed to those in need to ease their hardship during the outbreak.
He expressed appreciation to UNICEF for its consistent support, adding that the agency will ensure the resources are used judiciously and reach the intended beneficiaries.
Some beneficiaries, including Eunice Nyinongo, Ayila Mbasalam, Victoria Agber, Utair Torgenger, and the camp women leader, Mrs. Ruth Ajinde, expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting that it has significantly improved their situation.
Nyinongo, in particular, said the support has eased her burden, as she no longer needs to spend money on hygiene items and can instead focus on purchasing food items such as seasoning and salt. She also prayed for continued support for other vulnerable families.