Benue, WHO validate landmark health workforce data to boost service delivery

Benue, WHO validate landmark health workforce data to boost service delivery

By Benedicta Aboh

The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has convened a crucial validation workshop in Makurdi to review and endorse the newly developed Benue State Health Workforce Profile and Registry Information; a major step toward data-driven healthcare planning.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, hailed the workshop as a milestone in strengthening the state’s capacity to address health sector gaps in line with Governor Hyacinth Iormen Alia’s vision for a healthier Benue.

With technical backing from WHO, the state has compiled detailed data on health workers’ locations, skill levels, distribution, and existing service deficits across all tiers of the health system. According to Dr. Ogwuche, transitioning from data collection to data utilization is key to meaningful reform.

“The real value of data lies in its application. Once published, the Benue State Health Workforce Profile will support equitable deployment of health workers, align training institutions with actual service needs, and help government and partners mobilize resources more effectively,” he said.

He praised WHO for its sustained partnership, noting that the collaboration has laid a solid foundation for evidence-based reforms in the state’s health sector.

Dr. Ogwuche also urged participants to be forward-thinking, emphasizing that the workshop’s outcome should deliver a resilient and responsive workforce capable of meeting the health needs of citizens.

Representatives from key health agencies, training institutions, local government health departments, professional associations, and development partners were in attendance.

The validation exercise underscores the Alia administration’s renewed commitment to harnessing data and evidence to expand access to quality, equitable, and efficient healthcare services across Benue State.