Benue launches 2026 MNCH Week, expands free healthcare services for mothers and children

By Benedicta Aboh

The Benue State Government has launched the May–June 2026 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week, reaffirming its commitment to improving access to quality healthcare and reducing preventable maternal and child deaths across the state.

The week-long exercise was flagged off at the FSP Primary Health Care Clinic in Makurdi by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Cephas Hough.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ogwuche described the programme as a critical intervention aimed at delivering life-saving healthcare services to women and children, particularly those in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

He said the initiative would provide a comprehensive package of integrated healthcare services designed to improve the wellbeing of mothers, newborns and children throughout the state.

According to the commissioner, the programme aligns with the healthcare transformation agenda of Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration, which prioritises strengthening primary healthcare systems, expanding access to quality medical services and reducing maternal and child mortality rates.

"Every mother deserves quality healthcare before, during and after childbirth, while every child deserves the opportunity to survive, grow and reach their full potential," he said.

He noted that the MNCH Week would intensify interventions aimed at safeguarding the lives of women and children and improving health outcomes across Benue communities.

Dr. Ogwuche disclosed that pregnant women participating in the programme would receive focused antenatal care, micronutrient supplements, health education and counselling services.

Children, he added, would benefit from routine immunisation, Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, nutrition screening and other child survival interventions.

The commissioner further stated that beneficiaries would have access to HIV testing and counselling, distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLINs), birth registration services, newborn care support, family planning counselling, malaria prevention education and hygiene promotion programmes.

He urged parents, caregivers and community leaders to take advantage of the free healthcare services and mobilise residents to participate in the exercise.

Describing maternal and child health as a key indicator of societal development, Dr. Ogwuche called for stronger collective efforts to reduce deaths associated with pregnancy-related complications and childhood illnesses.

He commended healthcare workers across the state for their dedication and resilience despite operational challenges, describing them as the backbone of the health system.

The commissioner also acknowledged the support of development partners and donor agencies, calling for sustained collaboration to expand healthcare coverage and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Emphasising the importance of evidence-based planning, he said data generated during the exercise would help government and stakeholders identify service gaps, strengthen future interventions and enhance healthcare delivery.

Dr. Ogwuche appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders and other community influencers to intensify awareness campaigns and encourage families to access the services.

He assured residents that outreach teams would be deployed to remote communities to ensure that geographical and economic barriers do not prevent women and children from receiving essential healthcare.

The commissioner expressed confidence that the programme would contribute significantly to Benue State's drive towards Universal Health Coverage and further strengthen the health sector.

The flag-off ceremony featured health education sessions, community mobilisation activities, public sensitisation campaigns and the commencement of integrated maternal and child healthcare services for beneficiaries.