Benue approves N294.53 million for malaria prevention campaign

The Benue State Government has committed N294.53 million as counterpart funding for the upcoming 2026 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign. The approval, granted during a State Executive and Security Council meeting, underscores the government's dedication to bolstering preventive healthcare measures and safeguarding children against malaria.

Dr. Paul Ogwuche, the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, announced the funding, emphasizing that it aligns with the governor's broader vision to enhance the health sector. This vision prioritizes strategic investment, robust partnerships, improved coordination, and greater accountability for health outcomes. Ogwuche highlighted the ministry's proactive approach, focusing on resource mobilization, partnership building, and interventions that yield measurable benefits for the state's population.

“

the Ministry of Health and Human Services, under the present administration, has continued to pursue a more proactive approach to health-sector development, with emphasis on resource mobilisation, partnership building, effective programme coordination and interventions that deliver measurable benefits to the people of the state.

The approved state funding will work in tandem with the financial, technical, and implementation support provided by the development partner, PATH. This collaboration aims to strengthen government ownership and ensure the long-term sustainability of the SMC program. Ogwuche stressed that the campaign's success hinges not only on financial resources but also on the dedication, professionalism, and accountability of those tasked with its implementation.

“

the approved N294.53 million state’s counterpart funding will complement the financial, technical and implementation support provided by the development partner, PATH, for the 2026 SMC campaign and strengthen government ownership and sustainability of the programme.

He urged healthcare workers, program managers, and volunteers to ensure that medicines and resources reach their intended beneficiaries. Maintaining accurate records, engaging communities effectively, providing proper supervision, and submitting timely reports are crucial. Parents, caregivers, traditional and religious leaders, and community stakeholders are also called upon to ensure all eligible children participate and receive the recommended medicines from trained health personnel. Cooperation with health workers and support for mobilization activities are vital for achieving maximum coverage.

The commissioner expressed gratitude to PATH for their support and reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to collaborating with development partners, health workers, and communities. This collective effort is essential for the effective implementation of the campaign and maximizing the impact of the government's approved resources. The SMC campaign is a critical public health intervention designed to prevent malaria during its peak transmission seasons.

“

the success of the campaign would depend not only on the resources committed by the government” but also on the “dedication, professionalism and accountability of those responsible for its implementation.