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From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Stakeholders in Benue State have convened a Health Sector Coordination Meeting to strengthen partnerships and enhance coordination among key health stakeholders towards improved health outcomes in the humanitarian response for Benue State.
The meeting themed “Strengthening Partnership and Coordination for Improved Health Outcomes in Humanitarian Response for Benue State,” identified emerging health issues in the state and critical areas that should be prioritized for joint action.
Try identified the problem associated with abattoirs in the management of meat in the state especially laboratories which could have been used in ascertaining the wellness of the animals they kill for human consumption and appealed to the state government to take urgent steps to address the fir the good of all residents.
Stakeholders also called for the establishment of Benue State Snakebite Treatment Centers across the state to cater for victims and prevent avoidable deaths.
They also noted the need for the establishment of Benue State Emergency Ambulance Services and enhancing of humanitarian Emergency Response mechanisms in the State.
They also identified rampaging issues of mal-nutrition and absence of statistical data on mal-nutrition cases in the state,
The meeting also lamented the abandonment of environmental lab and poor waste management which has served as a catalyst for people to be living in the dirty environment, the reticulation of the greater water works to solve the perennial scarcity or shortage of water in the State.
They also noted that there was a need for the creation of safe centers facilities for women who are abused by their spouse and incentive to be given to registered women organizations who are registered with the ministry of women affairs.
They called for urgent, proactive action in in resolving the identified need gaps urging advocacy for the establishment of Nutrition Policy and passing of the Bill in the state
just a they called for the evaluation and reticulation of greater water works to ease the pains of residents especially as the dry season sets in
Further deliberations centered on developing coordination mechanisms for effective implementation of interventions as well as resource mobilization and partner projections for 2026, stressing the importance of aligning funding priorities with the State’s health strategic plan and improved data sharing across MDAs.
Earlier, the the Director General, Bureau of International Cooperation and Development (BICD) Dr Leonard Viashima, emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts in achieving sustainable health outcomes in humanitarian settings.
Viashima, who was represented by Head of Human Resources and Administration/DAS, Beauty Adaaku, appreciated all stakeholders for their collaboration and reiterated the commitment of the state government to work with all stakeholders to ensure improved Health Outcomes in Humanitarian Response for Benue State.
During the technical sessions, Programme Analyst for Health at BICD, Akile Demekaa, presented the overview of the Benue State Health Sector Humanitarian Intervention (2024–2025).
The presentation highlighted ongoing projects, key achievements, gaps identified, and the need for improved collaboration between MDAs and partners for efficient service delivery.
The meeting also discussed issues such as Program/Project Implementation and challenges of health partners, focusinh on updates of ongoing interventions, resource limitations, and the need for data-driven decision-making.
The meeting brought together representatives from government ministries, development partners, UN agencies, INGOs, and civil society organizations (CSOs) including representatives from the
Ministry of Health and Human Services, Bureau of International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Benue State Budget and Economic Planning Commission (BSBEPC) among others.
