Kathmandu, November 25
The United Nations health agency, WHO, has called for action in the health sector so as to eliminate violence against women.
Issuing a statement on the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the global health agency’s Southeast Asia regional office in New Delhi says the health sector has a key role in responding to violence against women and informing the quest to eliminate it.
Hence, it urges, “Health systems should adopt standard, gender-sensitive guidelines and protocols on the provision of post-violence care. All health facilities and health workers should have the capacity to implement them.”
It further adds, “Services for injuries and sexual and reproductive health are crucial, as is mental health support. WHO’s clinical guidelines on responding to intimate partner violence and sexual assault are an important resource for health workers at all levels. Region-wide, they should be fully leveraged, including as part of pre-service and in-service training.”
Likewise, the health sector has to join forces in other sectors that prevent or respond to violence against women, according to the statement.
