PLCI, AUN, Yobe Train Health Workers on Critical SRH, GBV Interventions

By Yusuf A. Yusuf, Damaturu

The Portrait of Lake Child Initiative (PLCI), a project under the American University of Nigeria (AUN), has successfully concluded a capacity-building training program for Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in Yobe State.  

Supported by the Yobe State Ministry of Health’s Department of Family Health and funded by UNFPA Nigeria and the Government of Norway, the initiative focused on strengthening responses to Sexual and Reproductive Health in Emergencies (SRHiE) and Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE).  

The training, held in Damaturu, equipped participants from primary healthcare facilities in the communities of Malammatari, Dikumari, Maduri, and Kukareta with critical skills to address gaps in care during crises.  

Topics included prevention of maternal mortality, sexual violence mitigation, psychosocial support, and referral pathways for survivors key challenges exacerbated by humanitarian emergencies in Northeast Nigeria.  

The initiative aligns with broader goals to fortify community-based health systems and improve protection services in conflict-affected regions. Participants emphasized the practicality of the training, noting its relevance to their daily work in underserved areas.  

PLCI Program Lead Dr. Zara Yusuf stated, “Investing in local health workers translates to sustainable impact. These champions are now better prepared to save lives and advocate for the dignity and rights of those they serve.”  

The Yobe State Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up such collaborations, citing the urgency of addressing SRH and GBV amid displacement and insecurity.  

Sponsored by UNFPA Nigeria and the Government of Norway, the project underscores the critical role of partnerships in advancing health equity, child spacing, contraception, and other cross-cutting issues in emergency settings.