The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in partnership with APIN Public Health Initiatives, has called for collective efforts to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) and support survivors.
Speaking at a media roundtable in Abuja, the Deputy Director for Programs at U.S. CDC Nigeria, Dr. Jerry Gwamna, highlighted the profound impacts of GBV on mental, physical, and social well-being, urging for cross-sector collaboration. Represented by Victor Adamu, Gwamna reiterated the CDC’s commitment to preventing GBV and mitigating its effects through programs funded by PEPFAR.
“Gender-based violence in any form has deleterious effects on survivors’ complete health. We must work together to prevent it and support those affected,” he said.
APIN’s Gender Technical Lead, Mrs. Bola Thompson, emphasized the importance of encouraging survivors to speak out, reaffirming the organization’s dedication to sustaining the fight against GBV and offering vital support.
The Gender and GBV Programme Specialist at U.S. CDC, Bukola Adewumi, discussed strategies for addressing GBV and HIV in women and girls, including community-based interventions to challenge harmful norms and equip individuals with essential health management skills.
Key achievements include:
– Training over 200 instructors and empowering more than 78,000 adolescents with self-defense skills.
– Screening for GBV integrated into health services to identify and assist survivors.
– Free post-violence care services provided in all CDC-supported states.
Adewumi stressed the importance of partnerships with referral centers, shelters, law enforcement, and child protection services to bridge service gaps for survivors.
“We are committed to fostering safer and more equitable communities where everyone can thrive,” Adewumi stated, adding that the initiative maintains high-quality care standards through WHO-approved tools.
The roundtable emphasized that only through unified action can the pervasive issue of GBV be effectively addressed.
