The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has disclosed that it attends to no fewer than 300 individuals daily at its temporary camp in Makurdi, Benue State, as part of its humanitarian response to the Yelwata crisis.
UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Ms Gerida Birukila, revealed this during an inspection visit by officials of the United States Government to the camp’s healthcare facilities and intervention sites on Thursday.
Birukila noted that the agency, working in partnership with other organisations, had been addressing various healthcare needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the camp.
“We attend to between 250 and 300 patients daily, presenting with various ailments. Our response is in collaboration with partners such as UNFPA, WHO, Red Cross Nigeria, JASPI, the government, and others,” she said.
She also revealed that over 50 pregnant women had been referred to hospitals for delivery, while more than 1,000 mama kits had been distributed to support safe births.
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In collaboration with the Benue State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (BERWASSA), UNICEF has also ensured the provision of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services within the camp, aimed at preventing outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
The agency has immunised over 500 children against polio and administered vaccines for other preventable diseases such as measles, diphtheria, and tuberculosis.
“In addition to medical care, we offer psychosocial support to traumatised victims, including treatment for injuries, burns, and other conditions,” Birukila added.
“We currently have hundreds of pregnant women in the camp.
“So far, there have been nine safe deliveries within the camp, and those needing specialised care are referred to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi.”
Speaking further, UNICEF Health Specialist Dr. Ifeyinwa Anyanyo confirmed that the organisation provides 24-hour integrated primary healthcare services at the camp.
She stated that the nine babies born at the camp, along with 35 others delivered at BSUTH, and their mothers are all in good health. She also confirmed that no deaths had been recorded in the camp since operations began.
“We conducted a multi-sectoral rapid needs assessment at the camp to determine priority areas for intervention,” she said.
“Our services include clinical screenings, treatment of minor and chronic ailments, rapid testing, immunisation, antenatal and postnatal care—all delivered by experienced medical professionals on a 24-hour basis.”
The Makurdi IDP camp continues to serve as a critical response hub for those displaced by conflict, with UNICEF and its partners working tirelessly to deliver lifesaving support.