…Government, Stakeholders Urged to Enhance Healthcare Infrastructure
By Chidi Ugwu
The NAS Medical Mission on Wednesday released a critical advocacy report detailing the severe health and living conditions faced by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Naka IDP Camp in Benue State.
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Following a medical outreach on December 14, 2024, the report reveals alarming rates of chronic illnesses, including hypertension, diabetes, and hepatitis, amidst overcrowding and poor sanitation.
The camp, home to over 1,000 individuals, primarily women and children, reflects the broader humanitarian crisis caused by prolonged farmer-herder conflicts.
The NAS Medical Mission urged immediate action from the Benue State Government and other stakeholders to establish healthcare facilities, improve sanitation, and implement economic empowerment programs.
The group insisted that without urgent intervention, the health and living conditions of IDPs will continue to deteriorate, leading to increased morbidity and mortality.
The project was a collaborative initiative sponsored by regional chapters in Rima Deck (Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba) and Longhorn Deck (Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Louisiana).
The report emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to ensure sustainable solutions that uphold the rights and dignity of displaced persons.
“The NAS Medical Mission urges the Benue State Government and all relevant stakeholders to prioritize the following actions:
“Allocate resources for the establishment of healthcare facilities and mobile health units.
Improve WASH infrastructure to ensure access to clean water and sanitation.
“Launch economic empowerment programs to provide IDPs with livelihood opportunities.
Develop and implement long-term resettlement strategies to ensure durable solutions for displaced persons.
“This advocacy report serves as a clarion call to action, urging all stakeholders to work together to address the humanitarian crisis at the Naka IDP Camp and ensure a better future for the displaced persons of Benue State”
The NAS Medical Mission (NMM) is an initiative of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) – NAS/PC, an organization in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Founded on the principle of “For humanistic ideals,” NMM embodies the commitment to prioritize humanity in thought, word, and action. Established as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), NMM addresses the critical lack of accessible medical services, particularly in rural areas where healthcare facilities are either absent or non-functional.
Since its inception in November 2010, NMM has focused on three core areas: Medical Intervention: Providing free medical missions to underserved communities; Health Advocacy: Raising awareness and advocating for improved healthcare access; Social Mobilization and Community Engagement: Empowering communities through health education and outreach.
Funded primarily by NAS/PC members across 64 chapters worldwide, NMM leverages the expertise of volunteer healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, dentists, and oculists. Over the years, NMM has collaborated with organizations such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), state health ministries, and medical service providers to deliver impactful healthcare interventions.
Through its quarterly free medical missions, NMM continues to serve as a vital lifeline for disadvantaged communities, fulfilling its mandate to bridge the gap in healthcare access and uphold the dignity of humanity.
