By Peter Duru, Makurdi
The Benue state government has approved the sum of N294.53 million as counterpart funding for the 2026 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) Campaign aimed at protecting children across the state from malaria.
The approval was given at the State Executive and Security Council meeting held in Makurdi, and presided over by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche Ejeh, commended the governor for approving the funds, describing the decision as a demonstration of his commitment to protecting the lives of children and strengthening preventive healthcare in the state.
Ogwuche said the approval was also in line with the administration’s broader vision of repositioning the health sector through strategic investment, stronger partnerships, improved coordination and accountability.
