Health risks and displacement experiences of children in Agan toll gate IDP camp, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

The issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is one of the most pressing humanitarian crises globally. Displacement often forces individuals, including children, to live in IDP camps, significantly impacting their health. This study examined the displacement and health of children at the Agan Toll Gate IDP camp in Makurdi, Benue State. It specifically investigated the living conditions of children in the camp, which expose them to diseases, and assessed the frequency of illness among these children. The study was anchored on social inclusion theory. A cross-sectional survey design was used, employing questionnaire (307 children) and key informant interviews (KIIs) (5 camp officials) to collect data. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with Statistical Service Package for Solution (SSPS). The study found that the main conditions exposing children to disease in the camp were poor shelter, poor nutrition/underfeeding, poor ventilation, exposure to pests and insects and lack of safe water. Additionally, it found that the incidence of diseases among under 10 children is high. The study recommends that, the Benue State Government, NGOs, and individuals should ensure the camp has food security, proper shelter, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to improve the health conditions of children in the camp in furtherance to achieving the (SDGs) sustainable development goals 17 objectives.