Evaluation of Healthcare Assistance and Educational Support as Social Protection Interventions among Internally Displaced Persons in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

This study evaluated healthcare assistance and educational support as social protection interventions among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 399 IDPs using a structured questionnaire. Frequencies, percentages and mean scores were used for analysis. The findings showed that 394 respondents (98.7%) had received healthcare assistance. Malaria and typhoid were the most frequently reported health challenges (63.4%), followed by malnutrition (20.3%). Free medical treatment was the most accessed service (84.0%), while maternal healthcare had relatively low coverage (18.0%). Respondents reported reduced frequency of illness after assistance and agreed that healthcare support improved general health (mean = 3.16), reduced medical expenditure (mean = 3.30), and improved their ability to work and earn income (mean = 2.97). Educational or vocational support had reached 82.7% of respondents. Educational materials were the most common form of support (67.9%), while only 19.8% reported acquiring a skill through a programme. Respondents agreed that educational support increased school attendance among displaced children (mean = 3.23) but did not consider its effects on employment opportunities (mean = 2.07) and income-generating skills (mean = 1.78) substantial. The study concludes that healthcare assistance has contributed positively to perceived health and reduced medical costs, while educational support has mainly helped maintain children’s school participation. However, gaps in maternal healthcare and vocational training limit the overall reach of these interventions. The study recommends improved access to comprehensive healthcare, regular health education, and practical vocational programmes linked to equipment, start-up support and employment opportunities.