By Stanley Nwako
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), in partnership with the Anambra State Ministry of Health, the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi), Awka North Local Government Area, and the Mgbakwu community, has launched integrated medical and psychosocial support services for survivors of violence in Anambra State.
The programme was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Primary Health Care Centre (PHC), Mgbakwu, Awka North Local Government Area (LGA) where the services have become fully operational.
The initiative is designed to provide comprehensive, survivor-centred care for individuals affected by all forms of violence, including sexual and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The launch ceremony attracted key stakeholders from the health sector and community leadership, including representatives of WHO, AHF, AHNi, the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), the Mayor of Awka North Local Government Area, the Local Government Supervisor for Health, the Ward Councillor, traditional and community leaders from Mgbakwu, as well as development partners and healthcare professionals.
Representing the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, described the initiative as a timely intervention that would strengthen the state’s response to violence-related health challenges and improve access to quality healthcare services for survivors.
Dr. Uchebo commended MSF and all partner organizations for their commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and reaffirmed the Anambra State Government’s dedication to protecting survivors and ensuring they receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve. She encouraged survivors and affected families to utilize the available services without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Speaking during the event, MSF representatives reiterated the organization’s commitment to delivering compassionate, confidential, and high-quality care. They noted that survivors would be attended to by trained healthcare professionals in a safe and supportive environment, where confidentiality and respect for human dignity remain paramount.
The programme is built around three major pillars: the provision of free medical care and psychosocial support for survivors of sexual violence; the integration of sexual violence response services into routine healthcare programmes such as antenatal care, postnatal care, family planning, and sexually transmitted infection services; and a comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support system to address trauma and long-term psychological effects of violence.
All services are provided free of charge to residents regardless of age or gender. The facility operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while emergency on-call services are available during weekends to ensure continuous access to care. Members of the public seeking assistance or additional information can contact the Health Promoter on 0814-389-4844.
The partnership is guided by the humanitarian principles of impartiality, neutrality, confidentiality, and dignity. MSF and its partners reaffirmed their collective commitment to strengthening access to quality, survivor-centred healthcare services while promoting recovery, resilience, and hope for survivors of violence across communities in Anambra State.
