To bolster the response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), the Lagos State Ministry of Health has trained healthcare workers across the state on the prevention and management of sexual assault cases, equipping them with the skills required to provide professional, compassionate, and timely care to survivors.
The two-day training, held on Tuesday and Wednesday, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa-Ikeja, brought together practitioners from public and private health facilities across all tiers of care.
Speaking on behalf of the Director, Family Health and Nutrition, Dr. Folasade Oludara, Deputy Director, Child Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Onasanya, said the rise in rape and defilement cases in Lagos communities made it necessary to upskill healthcare workers, who often serve as first responders.
She stressed the vital role health professionals play in clinical management and legal documentation of sexual violence cases.
Dr. Onasanya explained that the training was structured to ensure healthcare workers are equipped to identify, document, and manage sexual assault cases effectively.
“We ensured participation from doctors and nurses at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels who serve as first points of contact for survivors,” she said, adding that the initiative will strengthen Lagos’ coordinated health system response to SGBV.
She noted that the state had already provided equipment and specimen collection tools to health facilities, while the training aimed to build personnel competence in handling sensitive cases.
“Participants have been carefully selected from all 57 LGAs and LCDAs, especially from areas with higher incident rates,” she added.
The SGBV Programme Manager, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Juradat Aofiyebi, said the capacity-building effort was part of a broader strategy to improve survivor-centred healthcare and enhance prosecution outcomes.
She stated that 25 experienced doctors from the state’s general hospitals took part, describing the initiative as proof of the government’s commitment to reducing sexual assault through a multi-sectoral response.
According to her, “The training equips healthcare workers to properly identify survivors, document findings accurately, and provide comprehensive care, all of which support justice delivery and prevent repeat offences.”
She assured that the ministry would continue such trainings to ensure quality, non-judgmental care for all survivors.
In her presentation, Deputy Director, Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lagos Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Adebanke Ogunde, emphasised the importance of medical documentation in securing convictions in sexual assault cases. She explained that medical reports and forensic evidence are often decisive in court.
“Your medical reports are crucial; they can determine whether justice is served or denied,” she told participants.
Mrs. Ogunde reminded healthcare workers of their legal duty to report suspected cases to the police or the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
She highlighted Section 291(3) of the Evidence Act, which recognises medical reports as vital corroborative evidence, especially in cases involving minors.
During a technical session, Consultant Family Physician at LASUTH, Dr. Oluwajimi Sodipo, underscored the need for timely medical attention, psychosocial support, and non-stigmatising care.
He stressed that presentation within 72 hours of assault improves the chances of preventing infections and securing viable forensic evidence.
Dr. Sodipo commended the state’s inter-agency collaboration but called for strengthened DNA and forensic capacity, better insurance coverage, and improved remuneration for health workers.
“We must sustain motivation and continuous retraining if we want to retain skilled professionals and ensure justice,” he said.
A presentation by Mrs. Anyebe Margret, Claims Officer at LASHMA, explained how the ILERA EKO Health Insurance Scheme provides coverage for survivors of sexual and domestic violence, including medical treatment, investigations, and follow-up care.
She outlined LASHMA’s role in coordinating emergency services, vetting claims, escalating cases to DSVA, and ensuring survivors receive full support.
Another paper by Mrs. Ololade Babarere, Assistant Director, Health Education, highlighted the importance of self-care for healthcare workers managing sexual assault cases.
She noted that constant exposure to trauma can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue, urging workers to adopt coping strategies such as rest, exercise, and professional support.
Participants described the training as highly impactful. Dr. Odiawa Ijeweme of General Hospital, Apapa, said she learnt practical techniques on history-taking, examination, and proper referrals.
Dr. (Mrs.) Charity Eferaro, Deputy Director of Health Services, Lagos State University Health Centre, said the programme enhanced her capacity to handle sexual abuse cases among students, helping her provide holistic, stigma-free care.
The two-day training reaffirmed Lagos State’s determination to protect residents from sexual violence and strengthen institutions responsible for survivor-centred care.
Through collaboration among the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, LASHMA, and DSVA, Lagos continues to lead efforts to ensure survivors receive justice, dignity, and comprehensive healthcare.
(LASG)
