By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
The Lagos State Government has intensified its efforts to tackle sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) by training healthcare workers on effective sexual assault response, with renewed focus on clinical management, legal documentation, and self-care.
The two-day capacity-building workshop, organised by the Ministry of Health, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja, and had practitioners from public and private health facilities across all levels of care.
Declaring the training open on behalf of the Director of Family Health and Nutrition, Dr. Folasade Oludara, the Deputy Director of Child Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Onasanya, highlighted the alarming rise in rape and defilement cases in Lagos communities.
This trend, she noted, underscored the need for continuous upskilling of healthcare workers who serve as critical first responders to survivors of sexual assault.
“The government recognises the vital role of health professionals in both the clinical and legal dimensions of managing sexual assault cases,” Dr. Onasanya stated. “This training equips them with the knowledge to identify, properly document, and deliver survivor-centred care that promotes healing and justice.”
She added that the state had already distributed specimen collection tools and sexual assault evidence kits across health facilities, while this training complements efforts to enhance personnel competence in handling sensitive cases.
According to the SGBV Programme Manager of the Ministry, Dr. Juradat Aofiyebi, the initiative aligned with the state government’s commitment to reinforcing preventative strategies and ensuring justice for survivors. She added that 25 experienced doctors from various general hospitals took part in the workshop, which would bolster the state’s multi-sectoral response to gender-based violence.
“The knowledge and skills gained here will ensure accurate documentation, timely care, and proper case referrals that play crucial roles in securing convictions and preventing repeat offences,” she said.
Speaking on the legal aspects of sexual assault cases, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Adebanke Ogunde, emphasised the importance of medical reports and forensic evidence in securing convictions. She noted that under Section 291(3) of the Evidence Act, medical reports serve as critical corroborative evidence in sexual assault cases, particularly those involving minors.
“Healthcare workers are mandatory reporters. Your documentation and professionalism are essential in ensuring justice is served,” she told participants.
During a technical session, Consultant Family Physician at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr. Oluwajimi Sodipo, highlighted the need for prompt medical attention, psychosocial support, and non-judgmental care.
He commended the state’s continuous investment in inter-agency collaboration and called for improved forensic capacities and incentivised conditions for healthcare workers.
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), represented by Claims Officer Mrs. Anyebe Margret, explained that the ILERA EKO Health Insurance Scheme provides comprehensive coverage for survivors of sexual and domestic violence, including medical treatment, investigations, and follow-up care under its Equity Fund for vulnerable groups.
Mrs. Anyebe outlined survivor workflows within the scheme and highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure that emergency care and case referrals are seamlessly coordinated across relevant agencies such as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
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