A Civil Society, Stand to End Rape Initiative has trained 50 healthcare workers in Kwara on the Clinical Management of Sexual, Gender Base Violence (GBV) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Speaking at the occasion, Miss Oluwaseun Osowobi, the Executive Secretary of the Initiative explained that the training is a two-week capacity building of health care workers and other crucial stakeholders to provide women and girls experiencing gender-based violence with first-line support.
She explained that the training is in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, and support of the Ford Foundation.
According to her, it is critical for all stakeholders to get information about GBV, its consequences, and the role of health care workers when seeking help.
She explained further that GBV is a phenomenon deeply rooted in gender inequality, and continues to be one of the most notable human rights violations within all societies.
Osowobi stated that the Primary Health Care (PHC) are the closest healthcare providers to the communities and getting them for the trainig becomes imperative.
She added that it is expected that at the end of training, healthcare providers and other stakeholders will be able to perform their roles effectively in tackling the menace of GBV with holistic approach and more experience.
“We appeal to the government to pay more attention to preventive measures. Ensure laws are enforced and implemented to punish perpetrators, and support the care of survivors,” she said.
She explained that the Stand to End Rape initiative has the mandate to improve partnership among health professionals groups that work on GBV, give care and support, and also build effective network for knowledge updating.
Also speaking, Dr Raji Razaq, Kwara Commissioner of Health who was represented by Dr Abubakar Ayinla, the Permanent Secretary of the Kwara Ministry for Health commended the initiative on the the training.
Speaking also, Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode, the Director Primary Health Care Development Agency noted that GBV is violence directed against a person because of their gender.
He added that both women and men experience gender-based violence but the majority of victims are women and girls.
Mrs Madinat Idris, Director of the Kwara Ministry of Women Affairs observed that the ministry now has the Sexual Assault Referral Centre at the General Hospital to look into the issues of GBV.
She stated further that because reporting violence can have repercussions for women who are experiencing it, health care providers need guidance on how to provide help carefully and confidentially.
Idris therefore commended the Civil Society and other partners for the initiatives.
In his goodwill, Dr Chris Elemuwa, the Director, Community Health Services Department, National Health Care Development Agency headquarters, Abuja, advised other civil organisations to ensure their activities are in tandem with that of the Federal Ministry’s.
He pointed out that when it come to evaluation, little acknowledgement is given to the agency.
Elemuwa emphasised the importance of PHCs across the country on the health of people, adding that there is need for them to be trained constantly.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participant cuts across 15 PHCs, Police, Women Affairs, Ministry of Justice and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)