Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, wife of Kebbi state governor has launched a training program for healthcare providers in the state on appropriate care and support for Gender-based Violence (GBV) survivors.
The training supported by the USAID Integrated Health Program (IHP), will build the capacity of front line healthcare workers to prevent and respond to GBV in every primary healthcare center (PHC) across the state.
Dr Bagudu represented by the former Executive Secretary Secondary Schools Management Board and Chairperson High Level Women Advocacy, Asmau Alkali said at the event on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi, that the training will strengthen the capacity of frontline healthcare providers and the Primary Healthcare (PHC) system to respond appropriately to those exposed to GBV.
She urged the members of the State Executive Council, Senior officials of the Federal and State Ministry of Health, Kebbi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations to continue to support the state government in its effort to curb all forms of sexual and gender based violence against persons.
”Healthcare providers at PHCs throughout the state will be provided with the skills to screen and identify GBV survivors, provide appropriate clinical care, and refer victims to a network of collaborating agencies and local social services.
“They will be providing shelter, financial support, mental health and psychosocial support, restorative justice, and a variety of medical treatments.
“The training front line health workers at the PHCs on GBV care and support will improve access to timely care and support to GBV survivors, reduce barriers to service access, improve provider response, and increase knowledge regarding respectful care.
“As the mother of Kebbi State, I choose to be a voice and a champion to end GBV against women, men and children,” she said.
The USAID /Nigeria Director, Office of Health, Population and Nutrition, Paul McDermott stated that the agency was partnering with the state government to end the stigmatization of victims, create awareness, and curb this menace.
He added: “USAID is committed to preventing and responding to GBV in Nigeria.
“Regardless of the form it takes, GBV is criminal and front line healthcare workers, and the primary health care system should respond adequately and promptly to support GBV survivors in Kebbi State.”
USAID IHPThe USAID Integrated Health Program is an expanded effort by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with the Government of Nigeria (GON).
It provides technical support for rapid scale-up of proven health interventions for maternal, newborn and child health, reproductive health and family planning, nutrition and malaria.
This will be done through improved access to quality of primary health care services and sustainable health systems at the federal state levels.
It would be recalled that the government, through the effort of Dr Bagudu and the technical working group, had facilitated a partnership with Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF) conducted training of school teachers on GBV and establishment of Boys Conversation Cafe for students to discuss around GBV and serve as advocates.
