By Bishop Aturu
In a dedicated effort to enhance healthcare delivery and improve responses to health emergencies that can lead to gender-based violence (GBV) and early child marriage, the Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID/NWTF), in collaboration with the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), has launched a capacity-building training and free medical testing campaign in Kogi State.
This initiative, titled “capacity building training on quick response to health issues and free medical test on (IMT, HBsag/HCV),” specifically targeted residents in Osisi, Ujagba, and Okpachala communities within the Igalamela-Odolu and Adavi Local Government Areas.
The training, focused on rapid response to health issues, aimed to equip community members with the knowledge and skills necessary to act promptly during health emergencies.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of PIBCID, Rachael Akande, emphasized the importance of community-driven initiatives in addressing the health challenges faced by rural populations, particularly in relation to GBV and early child marriage.
She stated, “Our goal is to empower communities with the necessary tools and knowledge to respond swiftly to health emergencies. By providing these trainings and medical tests, we are not only improving individual health outcomes but also building a healthier, more resilient community where gender-based violence and early child marriage can be effectively combated through improved healthcare access and awareness.”
The State Chairman of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Dr. Yetunde Owa, reiterated her organization’s commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for women and children in rural areas.
She stressed that no one should be left behind in the pursuit of quality healthcare, especially women and young girls who are often most vulnerable to GBV and early child marriage.
Dr. Owa noted that this initiative ensures even the most underserved communities have access to essential health services and the knowledge to manage their health effectively, which is critical in preventing situations that could lead to violence and forced marriages.
In her presentation, a facilitator, Mrs. Abbas Silifat, highlighted the crucial role women play in driving health and development in their communities.
She noted, “Women are at the forefront of health and caregiving in our society. By empowering them with knowledge and providing access to medical testing, we are fostering a generation of women who can take charge of their health and the health of their families, thereby reducing the risk of gender-based violence and early child marriage.”
During the training, Mrs. Silifat educated participants on various viral infections, emphasizing the most common and deadly ones. This led to the inclusion of hypertension screenings as part of the initiative, recognizing the importance of addressing this condition in light of Nigeria’s economic conditions.
She further emphasized that “managing high blood pressure might seem challenging, but with just ₦1,000, patients can access necessary medication. Good health is essential; without it, daily activities become difficult.” She also provided guidance on how participants can protect themselves from contracting these viruses.
The capacity-building training and medical testing event saw significant participation from the communities, with residents expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to receive free medical care and learn more about managing health emergencies.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by PIBCID, MWAN, and NWTF to promote health, education, and social development in rural communities across Kogi State, with a strong focus on ending gender-based violence and early child marriage.
