Kwara Media Charged to Spotlight Rights Abuses, Gender-Based Violence

Health and development sector representatives in Kwara State have called on journalists to actively report on human rights violations, gender-based violence (GBV), discrimination, and stigmatization affecting vulnerable populations. They emphasized the importance of safeguarding victims' dignity and privacy in all reports.

This appeal was made during a sensitization workshop focused on Stigma, Rights Abuse, Gender-Based Violence, and Discrimination. The event was organized as part of the "Advancing Integrated Health Services Delivery for S*xual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Communicable Diseases" project. The Kwara State Ministry of Health's Press Secretary, Saad Hamdalat, confirmed this development in a statement released on Wednesday from Ilorin.

Stephen Akinyele, the Executive Director of Hope for Family Development Initiative (HFDI), urged media professionals and social media influencers to leverage their platforms. He stressed the need to counteract harmful misinformation and promote accurate understanding regarding vulnerable communities. Akinyele stated, "The media must disseminate accurate and stigma-sensitive information, challenge harmful misconceptions and protect the privacy, confidentiality and dignity of people living with HIV, adolescents, GBV survivors and other vulnerable groups."

Akinyele further detailed HFDI's interventions in Kwara State, revealing that the organization has disseminated s*xual and reproductive health social and behaviour change messages to approximately 50,000 community members. Additionally, 250 community and religious leaders have undergone sensitization, and 30 community-led initiatives aimed at tackling stigma and discrimination have been established.

According to Akinyele, HFDI has also facilitated 50 referral coordination meetings and successfully documented 2,470 completed referrals. These efforts are designed to enhance access to s*xual and reproductive health services and communicable disease treatment. He clarified that the project receives funding from the Global Fund via the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme and is executed by Jhpiego, with HFDI acting as an implementing partner in Offa, Asa, and Moro Local Government Areas.

Representing Project Director Chioma Oduenyi, Williams Awotunde, the Jhpiego State Team Lead, explained the project's design. He noted that it aims to integrate s*xual and reproductive health services with interventions for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and s*xually transmitted infections. Oduenyi highlighted that "The integrated approach allows clients to access multiple services during a single visit, helping to reduce the time and cost of accessing healthcare."

She also shared that Jhpiego currently provides support to 15 primary healthcare centers across Offa, Asa, and Moro LGAs through training, mentorship, supportive supervision, and monitoring. The initiative also advocates for skilled birth attendance, a critical component in reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates. Oduenyi emphasized the necessity of continuous community engagement, involving traditional and religious leaders, Ward Development Committees, and other local structures, to effectively address stigma and gender-based violence.

In conclusion, the participating stakeholders collectively appealed to the government, healthcare providers, local communities, development partners, and media organizations. They called for strengthened collaboration to ensure equitable access to healthcare and to safeguard vulnerable individuals from stigma, discrimination, and human rights abuses.