Yelwata Attack: UNICEF Intervenes In Water, Sanitation, Hygiene In Benue IDPs Camp

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF has commenced the provision of over 30,000 liters of water daily to over 3,400 Internally Displaced persons of Yelwata attack who are camped at International Market in Makurdi, Benue State capital

UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, Enugu Field Office, Mrs Rebecca Bolatito-Gabriel disclosed on Monday while speaking to Journalists at the temporary camp

She said as soon as the camp was opened, they observed that one of the biggest challenge was lack of access water and UNICEF swiftly swung into action in the provision of 30,000 litres of water daily to the camp to ensure that each individual can access at least 15 liters of water per day.

Bolatito-Gabriel Intimated that the organization have procured and installed two water bladders which supply 10,000 litres of water to the victims and revitalised the abandoned boreholes at the camp.

She explainedid that their aim is to also ensure that they start using the available 36 water system toilets at the camp for improved hygiene and prevent infections.

She said the IDPs would now use the sanitation facilities for defecation and urination, adding that it would end the ongoing open defecation at the camp as well as prevent the outbreak of disease such as Chlorea.

She also disclosed that the organization has engaged 50 hygiene promoters which include the IDPs to ensure improved environmental hygiene in the camp.

Also, Dr Ifeyinwa Anyanyo, Health Specialist, Unicef Enugu Field Office, said they have offered healthcare services to 910 persons so far and recorded four deliveries at the camp.

Anyanyo said what they arere currently offering is integrated package primary healthcare services, adding that they have started offering antenatal services at the camp.