By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Benue State Government has restated its commitment to ensuring that adequate healthcare is provided as a right to every citizen of the state and not a privilege as government would remain dedicated to upholding this truth for the benefit of all Benue people
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Yanmar Ortese, stated this on Monday while addressing a press conference in Makurdi, to mark this year’s World Health Day, with the theme: “My Health, My Right”.
Dr. Ortese, revealed that Governor Hyacinth Alia led administration has made significant strides through initiatives which includes the enrollment of over 50 thousand of most vulnerable population into the state Health Insurance Scheme under the basic healthcare provision fund programme across the 276 council wards of the state, insisting that the aim is to ensure that the right to health is not hindered as a result of economic status.
The Commissioner, who disclosed that about 5,500 IDPs have also been enrolled in the health insurance programme, said the government’s efforts have been further boosted by the employment of about 400 new personnel at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, Makurdi, as well as the procurement of essential medical equipment to enhance tertiary healthcare service in the state.
He however lamented that despite the achievements recorded, government has faced significant challenges as a result of multiple disease outbreaks within the period including lassa fever, measles and Buruli ulcer among others.
He said government is currently responding to the fever outbreak in the state, adding that he Ministry’s response capabilities have been stretched as a result of lack of functional public molecular laboratory.
While expressing worry that Benue ranked 6th in the country and first in the North Central zone for Tuberculosis cases, Dr Ortese informed that the fight against TB was on going, assuring that government would sustain the fight.
He called on all stakeholders across all levels of government, International partners, the private sector and civil society organizations to assist the state government to strengthen its healthcare system to cope with the ever- increasing needs of Benue large population.
The Commissioner promised that government would remain committed to overcoming the challenges towards building a healthier and more resilient community.
On her part, The WHO Regional Director for Africa, who was represented by Dr Mohammed Abdulkarim, in a remark, said WHO on April 7 2023, commenced a year long commemoration of its 75th anniversary and expressed appreciation to member states, partners and stakeholders for their enthusiasm and support, describing the anniversary as a season rich in festivities and reflection.
The Regional Director noted with satisfaction that there has been a significant improvement of quality of life of thousands of people comparable to the last seven decades.
He observed that more mothers and children are surviving today than before from 2000-2020, with the life expectancy of African women increasing from 54-67 years and maternal mortality ratio decreasing by 33 percent from 788 to 531,with maternal deaths per 100,000 lives as well as the number of children dying before the age of 5 reducing by 50 percent from 2000 to 2017 respectively.
Leave a Reply