By Chilungamo Missi

Blantyre, August 31, Mana: Deputy Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health in the Ministry of Health, Henry Phiri has appealed to people of Traditional Authority (TA) Somba in Blantyre to report to law enforcers about Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) that occurs in their area.

Phiri made the call on Tuesday at Somba area where Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) organised an open day to raise awareness on the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) and SGBV during disasters.

He said during disasters, vulnerable groups of people usually meet various problems that include infringement of their rights by duty bearers and other people of authority in their communities.

“When many districts were affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy, our health team came to Blantyre district camps and saw about 8,000 clients with health-related issues and only 10 people reported issues of GBV, while the police did not receive any complaint concerning SGBV. However, this does not mean that there was no SGBV occurring,” Phiri said.

He said the Directorate of Sexual and Reproductive Health saw the need to visit Blantyre to raise awareness on SGBV during disaster and advise communities on the reporting lines.

“It is important to report such issues and this is why we are here to raise awareness. We know that issues of SGBV rise during disasters despite being in a humanitarian crisis. This awareness aims at letting people know what to do, how to protect themselves and where to report,” said Phiri.

Apart from raising awareness on SGBV, the directorate is also training a task team and providers in MISP which includes treatment interventions during disasters

Retired Blantyre District Nursing and Medical Officer, Paulina Mwasigala who graced the event said disaster survivors have the right to access medical care during disasters.

She observed that there are some officials who sexually abused women in exchange of services that are meant to be free.

She said: “Pregnant women deserve all care while in camps and need to be assisted when they are due to deliver or need to be told where to go in a kind manner.”

In his remarks, TA Somba hailed Blantyre DHO for the awareness saying it will help stop SGBV in his area.

He, therefore, urged people in the area to report issues of SGBV to relevant authorities and desist from mob justice.

Mana/cm/ewc/pk