News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura Makurdi
The Government of Benue State has commenced a five-day Training of Master Trainers on Comprehensive Abortion Care, Post-Abortion Care, Family Planning, Safe Delivery, and Antenatal Services, a key intervention under the state’s broader health transformation plan.
Named strategic training, the move was part of government’s efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality in the state, reinforcing its reform-driven health agenda under Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.
State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, who declared the training open said the initiative reflects the Governor Alia’s commitment to translating policy into measurable impact across Benue communities.
He noted that current indicators remain a concern, with under-five mortality at 53 per 1,000 live births and neonatal mortality at 19 per 1,000, while maternal deaths continue to be driven by largely preventable causes.
He emphasized that under the leadership of Hyacinth Alia, the health sector is shifting from routine interventions to structured, result-oriented programmes designed to strengthen service delivery at all levels.
Ogwuche said the training will produce skilled Master Trainers from Gwer-West and Okpokwu Local Government Areas, who will in turn build the capacity of frontline health workers across facilities within the coming months.
He added that this approach ensures that government investments translate directly into improved care for women and children at the grassroots.
He further stated that the programme aligns with the 2025–2027 State Health Strategic Plan championed by Governor Hyacinth Alia, aimed at delivering safer pregnancies, increased family planning uptake, and better health outcomes statewide.
Ogwuche acknowledged the support of IPAS Nigeria Health Foundation, while reaffirming that the state government remains focused on accountability, quality care, and measurable results.
The commissioner called on participants to uphold professionalism, confidentiality, and respect in service delivery as they translate the knowledge gained into practice adding that the state Government anticipates measurable improvements in antenatal care attendance, increased skilled birth deliveries, and a sustained reduction in preventable maternal and neonatal complications as implementation progresses.
