Healthcare services and infant mortality in internally displaced persons’ camps in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper, therefore, examines the utilization of infant healthcare services available in relation to infant mortality in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State of Nigeria. The Health Belief Model guided the study; hence, a cross-sectional survey method was adopted, and data were sourced from 400 respondents across 10 IDP camps using a structured questionnaire. A multistage sampling procedure was employed: cluster, proportional, and then systematic random sampling. Findings reveal that the health care services for infants in IDP camps are grossly inadequate. A high percentage of the respondents reported a lack of antenatal care, immunization, vitamin A supplementation, HIV prevention, and treatment for common childhood illnesses such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria. The study further points out, in light of the performance, the meager presence of healthcare workers in these camps. Inadequate maternal and child healthcare precipitates high rates of infant morbidity and mortality among IDP populations. The paper concludes that restricted access to important healthcare services significantly heightens infant mortality in IDP camps within Benue State. It further calls for the establishment of mobile health clinics, training, and deployment of more healthcare workers, ensuring a stable supply of essential medications,. and the introduction of health education programs for caregivers by the Benue State government in collaboration with healthcare organizations and NGOs.