By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating malaria through strengthened collaboration with development partners and sustained investment in proven preventive interventions.
This position was articulated by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche on Saturday, during the Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop convened for the planning of the 2026 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, SMC, Campaign, held at the Benue Metropolitan Hotel in Makurdi.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ogwuche described malaria as one of the most prevalent and persistent infectious diseases in the state, noting that it continues to pose a significant threat to public health, particularly among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children under the age of five.
He emphasised that Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention remains a scientifically proven and highly effective strategy for reducing malaria-related morbidity and mortality among children, stressing that the intervention must not only be sustained but continuously strengthened for greater impact.
The Commissioner commended the implementing partner, PATH, for its steadfast support and substantial investment in improving health outcomes in Benue State, describing the partnership as both impactful and invaluable to the state’s malaria control efforts.
Reiterating government’s commitment, Dr. Ogwuche assured stakeholders that the Benue State Government will fully support the 2026 SMC campaign through the provision of counterpart funding, as well as by ensuring an enabling environment for smooth and effective implementation.
He further charged the Director of Public Health to maintain close and strategic collaboration with partners, particularly PATH, and to provide regular updates to his office, a move he noted would strengthen coordination, enhance transparency, and ensure accountability throughout the planning and implementation phases.
Dr. Ogwuche also expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, for his continued prioritization of the health sector and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of the people of the state.
Calling for collective action, the Commissioner urged all stakeholders to actively engage in the planning process, contribute valuable insights, and work collaboratively towards developing a robust, result-driven implementation strategy for the 2026 SMC campaign.
Dr. Ogwuche thereafter formally declared the Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop open for the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention campaign, which specifically targets children under five years of age, aimed at significantly reducing the burden of malaria in high-risk communities across the state.
