The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is giving help to families who had to leave their homes in Makurdi, Benue State. These people now live in a special place called the International Market IDP Camp. “IDP” means people who had to move because of problems like violence or floods.
UNFPA is making sure mothers and babies stay healthy. So far, they have helped with 10 safe baby deliveries and given care to over 368 pregnant women in Makurdi. Dr. Matthew Onoja, a UNFPA health expert, said this help is important for families who need it most.
UNFPA gives:
- Antenatal care (this means checking on the mother and baby before the baby is born)
- Safe delivery kits called “mama kits”
- Help for moms and babies during and after birth
- Support for mental health and feelings
- Ways to stop gender-based violence (that means helping people stay safe)
- Family planning services to help moms rest between having babies
Quick Help After Crisis in Makurdi
When people had to run from their homes in Yelwata, the Makurdi camp was set up quickly. UNFPA came to help in the first week. The team brought important items for women and girls to feel clean and safe.
These special “dignity kits” included:
- Soap and detergent
- Reusable pads and underwear
- Towels and slippers
- A whistle to call for help if someone is in danger
UNFPA also treated 35 women and girls with infections and taught over 2,000 people in Makurdi how to speak up and get help if someone is being hurt.
Giving Hope and Helping Young Girls
UNFPA doesn’t only help moms—they also support teenagers and girls. The team teaches girls in Makurdi that they can stay strong and go back to school. Some girls get scared or sad because of what they have gone through, so UNFPA has kind people like doctors, nurses, midwives, and social workers to listen and help.
If a woman is very sick or needs a special doctor, UNFPA helps her go to a bigger hospital. They even give out medicine for things like malaria in pregnancy and infections.
Why Family Planning Matters
Dr. Onoja also said that family planning is helpful. If a woman has many babies too close together, she might get tired or sick. Family planning helps moms rest and get ready for the next baby when they’re strong again. This keeps both the mother and baby safer and happier.
Helping moms and girls make smart choices about their bodies also helps them feel confident and take charge of their future. That’s why UNFPA is doing so much to bring this help to Makurdi.
Conclusion
UNFPA is making a big difference for women, children, and families in Makurdi. With clean kits, good doctors, and kind support, moms and babies can stay healthy—even in hard times. Girls and women now have a chance to feel strong and safe again.
Learn more about women’s health and support tools at genderpedia.ng/shop.
