The U.S. Centres for Disease Control (US-CDCs) has stressed the need for united action to eliminate all forms of Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria. CDC’s gender and GBV Programme Specialist, Mrs Bukola Adewunmi made the call at a media round-table on GBV organised by the US-CDC, and APIN Public Health Initiatives in Abuja.
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She noted that GBV, in whatever form; psychological, emotional, physical, or economic, has negative effects on the health of survivors. Adewunmi emphasised the need to challenge harmful cultural practices, stereotypes and promote gender equality, speak up against violence and support survivors.

She stated that the US-CDC is working with Nigeria’s Ministry of Justice to ensure
accountability for perpetrators and enhance the progression of sexual violence cases through the legal system.

Adewunmi called for integration of gender equality and the effects of GBV into the school curriculum, educate children about respect, equality, and healthy relationships and also teach them to recognise and report abusive behaviours.

She noted that the US-CDC is committed to addressing gender inequality and GBV, and recognising the disproportionate impact of HIV and GBV on women and girls, adding that the centre implements targeted strategies that address these interconnected issues.

Also, APIN deputy CEO, Dr. Jay Osi Samuels said that the collaboration between CDC, APIN, and the Nigerian government is a significant step toward strengthening health systems and addressing the social determinants of health.
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According to her, the partnership aims to improve service delivery and create safer, more equitable communities, adding that APIN has reached over 500,000 individuals with GBV prevention and response programmes.

Similarly, APIN Public health initiative has urged members of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) to join the campaign against GBV in the country.
APIN noted that over 30 per cent of women in Nigeria 15 to 49 years have experienced one
form of GBV or the other.

Speaking at the sensitisation programme organised at the NYSC secretariat in Apo, Abuja as part of activities to mark the 16 days of activism against GBV, the Technical Officer, Health Systems Strengthening Directorate of APİN, Dr Ndubisi Emenogu stated that the issue of GBV is deeply rooted in cultural and social norms and also goes beyond geographical and religious boundaries.

Emenogu noted that there is no justification or excuse whatsoever for GBV, adding that this violence has some health implications such as unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and at times leads to deaths.

A Corps member who identified himself as Jeremiah argued that men also face GBV and should be protected too. Another Corps member, Tonna Onwuasoanya urged the government to put up a system that protects victims of GBV.
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