UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has officially flagged off its humanitarian action efforts in Benue State with the donation of 2000 dignity kits and Inter-Agency Reproductive Health (IARH) kits to the Benue state government. During a June 18 event, the items were received by the Deputy Governor of the state; H.E. Bar. Dr. Sam Ode. The donation aims to provide life-saving support for the wellbeing and dignity of women and girls in the state, particularly the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
In addition to the donation of essential kits, UNFPA through its implementing partners; Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS) and Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF) is supporting the Benue State government with capacity building initiatives targeting healthcare workers, social workers, and community volunteers. A total of 50 healthcare workers, 40 social workers, and 25 community volunteers are receiving specialized training to enhance their skills in gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, as well as provision of quality sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including safe delivery, clinical management of rape, Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care, family planning and careline referral services. The capacity building program is designed to empower local frontline workers and volunteers to better address the unique needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are mostly women and girls and are presently in IDP camps and host communities. By strengthening the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers, social workers, and community volunteers, UNFPA aims to improve access to quality services related to GBV prevention, response, and sexual and reproductive health care.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Chris Sabum Macauley, Humanitarian Coordinator of UNFPA Nigeria, expressed the organization's commitment to supporting the most vulnerable populations in Benue State. "UNFPA is dedicated to promoting the health, rights, and dignity of women and girls, especially in humanitarian settings. Through our partnership with the Benue State government and local stakeholders, we aim to build a more resilient and responsive system that prioritizes the needs of women and girls affected by crisis," Chris Sabum stated.
Deputy Governor of the state; H.E. Bar. Dr. Sam Ode, in his speech, appreciated the UNFPA team for their commitment to supporting displaced communities and for the donation of the lifesaving commodities. The Deputy Governor assured UNFPA that the items donated will be used effectively to support vulnerable women and girls in Benue state.
The launch of UNFPA's humanitarian support in Benue marks a significant step towards addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by women and girls in the state. By providing essential kits and building the capacity of local healthcare workers, social workers, and community volunteers, UNFPA is working to ensure that every woman and girl in Benue has access to quality sexual and reproductive healthcare which contributes to the transformative goal of eliminating maternal deaths, removing barriers to unmet need for family planning and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices in Benue State.
