Oyo Govt Launches Guidelines for Medical Mgt. of Violence Survivors

The Oyo State government and relevant stakeholders.have reiterated their commitment to rejig the fight against Gender Based Violence, (GBV) in their respective areas of intervention.

They made the pledge at the launch of the Standard and Guidelines for Medical Management of Gender Based Violence, GBV Survivors, organized by the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with an International NGO, Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation.

The document will ensure adequate justice for victims of gender-based violence in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi said the document contains the legal procedure to cater to the healthcare service of GBV survivors.

Dr. Ajetunmobi said that the document would help towards addressing the problems being encountered in the health facilities when treating survivors of GBV.

She described the critical initiative as a pivotal step towards enhancing the care and support for victims of violence within the state.

“Therefore, the healthcare system, which serves as the first point of call for victims, must have the right skills and guidelines for the best care possible,” she said.

According to her, the guidelines promote a holistic approach to the medical management of victims of violence, addressing not only their physical injuries but also their psychological, social, and legal needs.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde said that the document serves as a landmark in the history of violence against persons.

This, he said, allows for the opportunity to give support for the health, well-being, and dignity of the victims of violence.

The Country Director of Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation, Dr. Lucky Palmer said the acts of violence against persons in Nigeria are multifaceted and affect both genders, cutting across all cultures, socio-economic, religious, and age groups.

He added that despite the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP Law) in the State, access to justice for victims and management of survivors remains a bottleneck.

The meeting was attended by relevant stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Anifat Ibrahim, among others.