Benue partners IOM, WHO to enhance IDP welfare, data management

The Executive Secretary of Benue State Emergency Management Agency, James Iorpuu, said that the state government is collaborating with the International Organisation for Migration through the Displacement Tracking Matrix team to get comprehensive data on Internally Displaced Persons in the state.

Speaking on Monday during the monthly distribution of food and non-food items to displaced persons across the state, Iorpuu said the initiative would help the government in making informed decisions in humanitarian interventions.

The SEMA boss also disclosed that the state government had succeeded in inviting the World Health Organisation representative, Dr Walter, to assess the health needs of the displaced persons.

While applauding the interventions of some partners, such as the International Organisation for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and others, the SEMA boss said IOM had completed the construction of a water plant at Ortese community to address the longstanding water scarcity in the area.

He added, “IOM has also assisted in constructing 380 shelters in Gbajimba 1 Camp and 690 shelters in Gbajimba Il Camp, freeing up schools previously occupied by IDPs and thereby allowing our children to regain access to education.

“Worth also mentioning is UNHCR, they have remains one of our strongest pillars. Beyond their continuous support, they have recently provided four motorbikes and two laptop computers to enhance our field operations, ensuring efficient service delivery across all camps.

“We are making significant progress in our collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration through the Displacement Tracking Matrix team. This initiative aims to cover all displaced populations across Benue communities, ensuring comprehensive data collection and informed decision-making in our humanitarian interventions.”