The World Health Organisation (WHO) in collaboration with Yobe State Government is to train 40 doctors, nurses and midwives on clinical management of victims of gender-based violence. The training is being conducted amid strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols in Damaturu, the state capital. WHO’s Manager for Health Emergency Programme, Muhammad Shafiq disclosed that the training was aimed at building the capacity of health workers during emergencies in conflict. Shafiq, who was represented by Dr. Inigbehe Oyinloye, the National Consultant on gender-based violence (GBV); said: “We carried out some assessment in Yobe health facilities that are providing GBV services. “It was realized that among the health workers, there was low capacity building to treat victims of gender-based violence in the state.” According to him, the gap closure was to ensure the health sectors are strengthened and equipped to provide care for GBV survivors.
“We’re equipping them to be able to ensure a holistic approach to care the survivors,” he said. The Health Commissioner, Dr. Mohammed Gana, who was represented by Director of Nursing Services, Abdullahi Danchuwa disclosed that the state has recorded over 700 GBV cases in the last two years. He noted that the victims of violence, needed a holistic approach to the end the menace. Continuing, he added: “Based on available data across the six sexual referral centres in the state, 700 cases of GBV are either of rape or intimate partners that were reported to police and community leaders.” While commending WHO for health workers’ capacity building and medical consumables, he said: “There will be more collaborations with the state government, parents, as well as donor agencies to overcome the challenges of GBV. Some of the trainees expressed satisfaction for the capacity building being provided to treat and manage survivors. According to him, they are asking Governor Mai Mala Buni to assent the Yobe State House of Assembly Violence against Persons’ Prohibition into law. He said this will allow the quick dispensation of justice for the treated survivors across the state
