Benue deepens UNFPA partnership to boost maternal health, empower youth, and protect women

By Johnson Arua

The Benue State Government has renewed its push for a stronger partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to accelerate improvements in maternal healthcare, youth development, and the protection of women and girls across the state.

The call was made by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, during a high-level multisectoral stakeholder engagement that brought together government ministries, development partners, civil society organisations, and actors in both humanitarian and development spaces.

Dr. Ogwuche described the meeting as a reflection of shared commitment and collective responsibility, noting that Benue occupies a strategic position within the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus.

He explained that while the state continues to respond to humanitarian pressures such as internally displaced persons, it is also strengthening its healthcare system and building resilient communities under the leadership of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia.

Highlighting key challenges, the Commissioner pointed to persistent maternal mortality, limited access to reproductive health services for young people, rising cases of gender-based violence, and the increasing healthcare needs of displaced populations.

“These are not just statistics; they represent real lives and futures at risk,” he stressed.

He identified priority areas for collaboration, including expanding family planning services in underserved communities, improving emergency obstetric and newborn care, scaling up youth-friendly health services, strengthening gender-based violence prevention and response systems, and enhancing data systems for informed planning.

He also called for deeper technical support, inclusion in UNFPA programme expansion, and the piloting of impactful interventions, while reaffirming the state’s commitment to sustainable implementation and co-investment.

In response, UNFPA’s Senior Programme Specialist for Reproductive Health and Humanitarian Response, Chris Macaulay, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting Benue in advancing the rights of women and girls, expanding access to reproductive healthcare, and promoting youth empowerment.

Macaulay highlighted ongoing UNFPA interventions in the state, including reproductive health service delivery, emergency obstetric care, gender-based violence prevention and response, mental health and psychosocial support, and the creation of safe spaces for women and girls.

He also commended the state government for developing the Benue State Youth Development Plan using the Youth Development Index, describing it as a forward-thinking and data-driven initiative positioning the state as a leader in youth programming in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Other stakeholders at the meeting included the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Theresa Odachi Ikwue; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports; and Mr. Philip Nongu Lobi, alongside representatives from partner organisations and key sectors.

Participants stressed the need to expand youth-friendly services, strengthen comprehensive sexuality education, promote inclusion of persons with disabilities, and create economic opportunities for young people, particularly through agribusiness initiatives.

The engagement ended with a renewed commitment by all parties to strengthen coordination, mobilise resources, and build resilient systems aimed at improving health outcomes, protecting vulnerable groups, and ensuring inclusive development across Benue State.