The situation regarding the shortage of essential drugs for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State has become increasingly concerning, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian conditions in the camps.
Despite assurances from the State Government that efforts are underway to address this issue, the reality on the ground remains challenging.
Collaborating with key partners such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), the State Government acknowledges the pressing need to mitigate the shortage of drugs in the IDP camps.
However, the complexity of competing demands and limited resources has hindered swift action.
Mrs. Grace Ashi Wende, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB), highlighted the growing humanitarian needs among the IDP population in Benue State.
UNICEF conducted assessments, revealing the urgent necessity for improved access to healthcare services.
As a response, UNICEF initiated support programs, including mobile medical outreach clinics and the provision of medical supplies and essential medicines to selected IDP camps.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist, as evidenced by the shortage of drugs observed during recent supervisory visits to camps like Ortese and Ichwa.
Commissioner Aondowase Kunde emphasized the government’s commitment to finding a solution in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, SPHCB, and partners like UNICEF and WHO.
This joint effort aims to ensure the provision of essential drugs to alleviate the suffering of IDPs.
“What we are saying is that we have noticed the challenge of the shortage of drugs at these two camps; Ortese and Ichwa IDP camps and this is a joint collaboration. So my ministry will go back to the drawing board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and SPHCB and synergize with our partners and see how we can ensure the provision of these drugs we are lacking.”
Beatrice Tsavbu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, echoed the commitment to addressing the drug shortage, pledging collaboration with UNICEF and WHO to find effective solutions.
Jeremiah Tyokoso, the State Based Technical Consultant with UNICEF, emphasized the organization’s role in complementing government efforts and promoting sustainability.
UNICEF’s interventions encompass medical services in multiple IDP camps across several local government areas, aiming to bridge gaps and enhance healthcare access.
Similarly, Philip Gberindyer, representing the WHO, affirmed the organization’s continued support to the state government in providing comprehensive healthcare services as challenges arise.
While concerted efforts are being made to alleviate the plight of IDPs in Benue State, the persistent shortage of essential drugs underscores the ongoing struggle to meet the complex needs of this vulnerable population.
“We are actually implementing in three LGAs and five IDP camps. We are implementing in Ichwa (Makurdi LGA); Ortese and Ukpaim (Guma LGA) and also implemented in two other IDP camps in Gwer-West LGA, that is Naka and Agagbe IDP camps.”
Collaboration between government agencies and international partners remains crucial in addressing these challenges and ensuring the well-being of displaced persons.
