The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has provided critical healthcare and humanitarian services to internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the International Market IDP Camp in Makurdi, Benue State.
The agency has supported 10 safe deliveries and provided antenatal care for over 368 pregnant women, according to Dr Matthew Onoja, UNFPA’s Humanitarian and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Analyst. He disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday in Makurdi.
Onoja explained that UNFPA’s interventions include sexual and reproductive health services, maternal healthcare, family planning, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, mental health, and psychosocial support.
He noted that 187 pregnant women had accessed antenatal care through the agency’s women and girls’ safe space and clinic, with each visibly pregnant woman receiving a mama kit—a delivery kit designed to support labor and delivery.
Swift Response to Crisis
“With the crisis in Yelwata, there was an urgent call for UN agencies to assist the state. In response, the government established the Yelwata IDP camp at the New International Market, and UNFPA promptly deployed its support team within the first week,” Onoja said.
Since then, the agency has distributed over 1,000 dignity kits to vulnerable women and girls. These kits include essential daily-use items such as reusable sanitary pads, underwear, bathing soap, detergent, wrappers, towels, slippers, and a whistle—used to call for help in cases of sexual harassment.
Read Also: Igbo Billionaires Host Landmark Healthcare Fundraiser in Anambra
UNFPA has also treated 35 women and girls for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and delivered key messages on GBV prevention and response. The agency has so far sensitised over 2,036 individuals on the importance of reporting GBV cases and seeking support.
Holistic Health Support
“We are offering mental health and psychosocial support to those affected by the trauma of displacement,” Onoja added.
“Our multidisciplinary team comprises doctors, nurses, midwives, and social workers who are actively engaged with the community to promote awareness and deliver care.”
UNFPA has also reached out to adolescents to provide hope and encourage continued education. Medicines have been provided for common conditions such as malaria in pregnancy and urinary tract infections, while severe cases are referred to higher-level healthcare facilities to ensure safe delivery outcomes.
The agency deployed interagency reproductive health kits for its interventions and shared resources with partners to ensure consistent service delivery.
Family Planning and Women’s Health
Onoja highlighted the importance of family planning, particularly for young women with multiple births. He stated that family planning services support recovery from previous pregnancies, reduce maternal mortality risks, aid infant development, and help women prepare physically and emotionally for future pregnancies.
“These services are essential not only for health and survival but also for the long-term well-being and empowerment of displaced women and girls,” he concluded.