US CDC And APIN Lead Push For Nationwide Effort To Combat Gender-Based Violence

US CDC And APIN Lead Push For Nationwide Effort To Combat Gender-Based Violence

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in partnership with APIN Public Health Initiatives, has called for united efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and support its survivors. This call was made during a media...READ MORE...

roundtable on GBV held in Abuja on Thursday.

Dr. Jerry Gwamna, Deputy Director for Programs at the U.S. CDC Nigeria, emphasized the devastating impact of GBV on survivors’ physical, mental, and social health, aligning with the World Health Organization’s definition of health. He stressed that all forms of GBV—whether psychological, emotional, physical, or economic—severely affect the overall well-being of victims.

Gwamna, represented by Victor Adamu, Team Lead for Community and Gender at U.S. CDC Nigeria, reiterated the CDC’s commitment to preventing GBV and helping survivors through targeted programs funded by PEPFAR and supported by implementing partners.

“We aim to either alleviate the harm done to survivors or prevent further GBV cases,” Gwamna explained. He called for a unified approach, urging all sectors to collaborate in the fight against GBV to make a lasting impact.

Bola Thompson, Gender Technical Lead at APIN Public Health Initiatives, urged victims to speak out and reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to fighting GBV and supporting survivors. She emphasized the importance of sustaining efforts to combat this widespread issue.

Bukola Adewumi, Gender and GBV Program Specialist at the U.S. CDC, highlighted the organization’s dedication to gender equality and providing accessible, high-quality health services to all individuals. She stressed that every person, regardless of sex, gender, or background, deserves the highest attainable standard of health.

Adewumi further shared the CDC’s approach to tackling GBV and HIV among women and girls, emphasizing community-based interventions that address harmful social norms and equip individuals with vital skills. These initiatives aim to reduce HIV transmission, enhance survivor care, and create safer, more equitable communities. Over 200 instructors have been trained, reaching more than 78,000 adolescents across various communities.

To ensure no survivor is overlooked, the CDC integrates GBV screening into all health services. Survivors are provided with free post-violence care, and the organization works closely with referral centers, including the police and shelters, to ensure comprehensive support for those affected by GBV.

By prioritizing high standards of care and using WHO-standardized tools for quality assurance, the U.S. CDC and APIN continue to lead the charge in addressing GBV and its devastating consequences.

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