Healthcare professionals from the seven sub-counties recently took part in a two-day workshop organized by the Kenya Finland Bilateral program. The workshop’s focus was on reviewing and distributing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling sexual violence against children. The main goal of the workshop was to ensure that all participants fully understood the SOPs, in order to enhance their ability to offer effective services to the community. Furthermore, the workshop aimed to encourage the exchange of experiences and equip healthcare providers with the necessary skills to effectively manage cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The collaborative development of the SOPs is intended to strengthen the response and support for child survivors of sexual violence. These guidelines, based on both national and international standards, offer a standardized and easy-to-use framework for implementing child-focused approaches in healthcare facilities.
During the workshop, participants had lively discussions and all agreed that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should be updated to address new issues and take a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach. They stressed the importance of strong connections between different sectors to effectively tackle SGBV issues. Additionally, attendees emphasized the necessity for specialized psychosocial support tailored to the unique needs of children who have experienced sexual violence.
The Kilifi County Government, through the department, remains committed to preventing SGBV and ensuring the successful implementation of the SOPs. With increased awareness and enhanced skills among healthcare providers, communities can anticipate better support and services for survivors of sexual violence, particularly children.
