Benue spends N160m on snakebite treatment for IDPs, but healthcare issues remain

The Benue State Government has said it spent over N160 million treating internally displaced persons (IDPs) for snakebites from March to September. Displaced families are still worried about food shortages and access to healthcare in their camps.

James Iorpuu, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), shared this information with journalists on Friday. He responded to complaints about the welfare of displaced people.

He mentioned that the agency arranged for IDPs to get treatment at the Benue University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi. This was necessary due to limited support from humanitarian partners.

“Through this arrangement, this agency has spent more than N160 million on healthcare interventions between March and September for snake bites alone,” Mr Iorpuu said.

He also said the agency has helped provide medical care for displaced people with serious illnesses and other emergencies. But this spending claim comes amid ongoing complaints about healthcare access in the camps.

A recent investigation by PREMIUM TIMES revealed the closure of a health facility in Anyiin IDP camp. This forced residents to seek treatment outside the camp, often at prices they cannot afford. The investigation, titled “Shut clinic deepens healthcare crisis in Benue IDP camp,” showed that the lack of health services left pregnant women and children at risk of medicine shortages and delayed treatment.

During the investigation, PREMIUM TIMES discovered that the clinic at Anyiin IDP camp in Logo Local Government Area had shut down after humanitarian support ended. This clinic used to provide essential medical services.

Helen Tsavwua, a former worker at the facility, said Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) set up the clinic during the displacement crisis in 2018. The Victim Support Fund later took over before pulling out in January 2021, leading to the clinic's closure.

A community health worker at the European Economic Community Health Clinic in Anyiin, who had worked at the camp facility, blamed the closure on lack of funding and medical supplies. The investigation also reported the death of Ngusurun Kengersha, an eight-month-old girl whose grandmother, Anaor Saawuan, said she could not afford the blood transfusion needed at a hospital.

The child had been sick with vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. After struggling to get treatment, the family turned to traditional remedies. Sadly, she died on May 2.

Mrs Saawuan told PREMIUM TIMES that the camp once had a working clinic. “There used to be a clinic here,” she said. “Medicines were available, and treatment was free, until everything stopped.”

The investigation found that pregnant women also faced financial challenges in getting antenatal care. Naomi Teryen, a 32-year-old displaced woman who was pregnant at the time, said she had to pay for medicines at the government-owned Comprehensive Health Centre in Anyiin.

She mentioned that an antenatal visit cost her about N3,000. One time, she was turned away after arriving with only N1,000. A medical doctor and UNICEF consultant, Terrence Akighir, told PREMIUM TIMES that multiple micronutrient supplements for pregnant women should be free.

“MMS is supposed to be free,” he said. He urged an investigation into any wrong charges. The findings raised concerns about the availability of essential healthcare services for displaced people, the sustainability of facilities supported by humanitarian organizations, and emergency referrals.

In response to complaints about conditions in the camps, Mr Iorpuu said the government continued to support displaced people with healthcare and food distribution. He noted that monthly food distributions were ongoing despite dwindling resources and challenges in meeting the needs of the displaced.

He admitted that the amount of food available for distribution had decreased significantly. Mr Iorpuu also said SEMA was collaborating with humanitarian partners, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, on resettlement plans.

His statement contrasts with complaints from leaders of the Agagbe, Daudu, and Mega IDP camps. They described food assistance as irregular and said healthcare, shelter, sanitation, and livelihood support were inadequate. The camp leaders spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing victimization.

One leader mentioned that the last food distribution happened about four months ago and was not enough for the population. “Following the engagement, another food distribution was eventually carried out, although it was insufficient compared with the needs of the population. But since the last distribution about four months ago, we have not heard of anything again,” the leader said.

The leaders also said some displaced people wanted to return home but could not due to ongoing insecurity. “What we are crying for now is how to leave the camp and return to our ancestral homes. Unfortunately, some of those communities are still not safe,” another leader said.

Mr Iorpuu dismissed claims that a planned protest by displaced people was due to food shortages. He alleged that some individuals had stirred up the demonstration over restrictions on visits to the camps.

The reported N160 million spending shows the extent of public resources used for treating snakebites among displaced people. But the statement did not break down how the money was spent, the number of patients treated, or the specific facilities and services provided.

The International Organisation for Migration’s Displacement Tracking Matrix recorded 464,543 internally displaced people in Benue in its Round 18 assessment. About 376,000, or 81 percent, were living in host communities, while roughly 88,000 were in camps and camp-like settings.

Mr Iorpuu’s latest statement shares information on the agency's reported spending on snakebite treatment but does not address the specific issues raised by the investigation about the closure of the Anyiin camp clinic and the broader gaps in routine healthcare. The statement also did not explain how its healthcare efforts have tackled these gaps.