Lagos Trains Healthcare Workers On Sexual Assault Response

The Lagos State Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to strengthen the state’s response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) by training healthcare workers on the prevention and management of sexual assault cases. The two-day capacity-building workshop, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa-Ikeja, brought together medical professionals from public and private health facilities across all levels of care. The training aimed to equip first responders with the clinical, legal, and psychosocial skills required to offer compassionate and timely care to survivors.

Speaking on behalf of the Director of Family Health and Nutrition, Dr. Folasade Oludara, Deputy Director of Child Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Onasanya, stressed that the rising cases of rape and defilement in Lagos communities necessitated the upskilling of health workers. She noted that the state had already provided medical equipment and specimen collection tools to facilities, and the training would further enhance clinical management and legal documentation of cases. She added that participants were selected across all 57 LGAs and LCDAs, particularly from high-incidence areas, to ensure statewide coverage.

The SGBV Programme Manager, Dr. Juradat Aofiyebi, emphasised that the initiative aligns with the government’s multi-sectoral approach to improving justice outcomes for survivors. She highlighted that 25 doctors from general hospitals participated, gaining critical knowledge on survivor identification, accurate medical documentation, and holistic care. Similarly, Deputy Director at the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mrs. Adebanke Ogunde, underscored the role of high-quality medical reports and forensic evidence in securing convictions. She reminded health workers of their legal obligation to report suspected cases to the police or the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).

In the technical sessions, experts including Consultant Family Physician at LASUTH, Dr. Oluwajimi Sodipo, highlighted the importance of timely care, psychosocial support, and non-stigmatising service delivery. He noted that early presentation within 72 hours improves infection prevention, evidence collection, and overall survivor outcomes. Representatives from the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) and the Ministry of Health also discussed survivor care under the ILERA EKO insurance scheme and th

e need for self-care among healthcare providers who frequently handle traumatic cases.

Participants described the training as practical and transformative, noting its value in improving clinical efficiency and survivor-centered care. Medical professionals such as Dr. Odiawa Ijeweme of General Hospital, Apapa, and Dr. Charity Eferaro of Lagos State University Health Centre, Ojo, said the training enhanced their capacity to offer medical, emotional, and psychological support to survivors while following Lagos State’s guidelines. Overall, the initiative reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening health system capacity, expanding access to justice, and ensuring dignity, protection, and comprehensive care for all survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.