The Benue State Government has intensified efforts to curb rising maternal deaths and address gender-based vulnerabilities as it seeks expanded technical and programmatic support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, made the call on Wednesday during a high-level multisectoral stakeholders’ engagement in Makurdi, where he outlined critical gaps in maternal health services, youth access to reproductive healthcare, and protection systems for women and girls.
He warned that persistent maternal mortality, limited reproductive health access for adolescents, and increasing cases of gender-based violence, particularly among internally displaced persons pose serious threats to public health and development in the state.
“These are not just statistics; they are lives and futures at risk,” Ogwuche said.
The commissioner identified priority areas requiring urgent intervention, including expansion of family planning services in underserved communities, strengthening emergency obstetric and newborn care, scaling up youth-friendly health services, and improving response systems to gender-based violence.
He also urged UNFPA to deepen collaboration with the state through programme expansion and pilot high-impact interventions, assuring of government commitment to co-investment and sustainability.
Responding, UNFPA’s Senior Programme Specialist for Reproductive Health and Humanitarian Response, Chris Macaulay, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Benue in improving reproductive health outcomes and advancing the rights of women and girls.
Macaulay highlighted ongoing UNFPA interventions in the state, including emergency obstetric care, psychosocial support services, and the establishment of safe spaces for vulnerable women and girls.
He also commended the state’s adoption of a data-driven Youth Development Plan, describing it as a model for sub-Saharan Africa.
Other stakeholders at the meeting, including Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Theresa Ikwue, and development partners, stressed the need to expand youth-focused programmes, strengthen sexuality education, and promote inclusive economic opportunities.
