Anambra Government Collaborates With Ipas For Medical Management Of Violence Victims 

The Anambra State Government through the State Ministry of Health has collaborated with Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation to establish standards and guidelines for the medical management of victims of violence across the state.

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Speaking at the occasion, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike narrated that violence against persons is a major social and public health issue in Nigeria, with marked vulnerability among women and children.

According to him, the National Demographic Health Survey of 2013 reported that approximately 30 percent of persons in Nigeria have suffered violence in one form or another.

“Violence against persons includes a wide range of actions that may constitute a physical, psychological and sexual injury to persons, including domestic violence, rape, child abuse and traditional harmful practices such as female genital mutilation.’’

Dr. Obidike explained that the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria had in 2014 enacted the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which was signed by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

“Section 38 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Act, specifically provides for remedies to ensure redress to victims of violence and it states as follows: “Every victim is entitled to receive the necessary materials, comprehensive medical, psychological, social and legal assistance through governmental organization and victims are entitled to be informed of the availability of legal, health, social services.    

“So, this provision informed the need to develop Standards and Guidelines for the medical management of victims of violence in Nigeria in 2017. States were encouraged to adopt these laws and remedial provisions.

“The Anambra Government adapted the VAPP Act into the Anambra State VAPP LAW in 2017. It became necessary to adapt the protocol for medical management of victims of violence as provided in the VAPP law guiding health workers, trainers, legal practitioners, and policy makers towards effective discharge of this important task.

The Anambra State Standards and Guideline for Medical Management of Victims of Violence has been developed following a rigorous adaptation and validation process involving the relevant stakeholders and consultants, taking into consideration the appropriate aspect of the state VAPP law, along with the culture and tradition.

The commissioner described it as an essential document that should be owned and studied by health workers and other relevant actors who may from time to time be involved in managing victims of violence.

He appreciated the Ipas for their huge contributions toward establishing the standards and guidelines for medical management of victims of violence in the state

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, thanked all the stakeholders, consultants Prof. Brian-D Adinma and Dr. Talemoh Dah for their contributions in actualizing the document.

Contributing, the Policy Consultant, Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation, Dr. Olajumoke Olufunminiyi, said, “Ipas is an International, Non-Governmental Organization that aims to increase access to safe abortions and contraception by informing women how to obtain safe and legal abortions.

“Educating communities on reproductive health and rights and supporting local champions for reproductive health commodities and equipment.

“Reducing maternal mortality and increasing access to post-abortion care services and as well advocating for policies that address sexual violence.’’

In attendance during the event, were the permanent secretaries of the Ministry of Information, Justice, Women Affairs and Social Welfare and Economic Planning, representatives of the Nigerian Police Force, among others.

Dr. Olajumoke Olufunminiyi thanked the State Government for the enabling environment and their support urging the public to make use of the document.