From Joseph Adahnu, Yola
Worried over the growing rate of child and force marriage, as well as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the Adamawa State Government, has taken proactive measures to curb the menace.
The state government through Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ADSPHCDA), recently held an emergency meeting with members of the State Task Force on Primary Health Care as part of the efforts to finding lasting solution to this ugly trend.
Speaking during one of its meetings held at the ADSPHCDA headquarter in Yola recently, the Executive Chairman of the Agency, Dr. Suleiman Bashir, stated that, addressing the Gender Based Violence (GBV), FGM and other harmful practices is essential to achieving better health, social justice, and development outcomes in the state.
He emphasised the importance of a multi-sectoral approach involving traditional and religious leaders, local government councils, and civil society organisations in achieving the set goals, just as he pointed that the state government is determined to eradicate most of the challenges that faced the girl child.
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Dr. Bashir explained further that the meeting would go a long way to proffer solution to the alarming rise of GBV and harmful practices in Adamawa State, which include “early and forced marriages, female genital mutilation (FGM), and intimate partner violence.
According to Bashir, Adamawa State government has taken significant steps to address GBV and harmful practices, including the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, emphasising the need for greater awareness and community engagement to prevent and respond to these issues.
He urged the traditional and religious leaders to leverage on their influence in their respective domain to eradicate harmful norms, advocate for gender equity and the protection of women and girls.
Adding that the Agency would put in place every preventive measure that would ensure an effective response mechanisms to support survivors of GBV and harmful practices.
These, he listed, includes providing access to medical care, counselling, and legal assistance, stressing that Adamawa State government is committed to providing resources and support to address GBV and harmful practices.
He spoke on the need for collective effort involving all stakeholders, to achieve meaningful change and urged all stakeholders to work together.
Speaking earlier, Honourable Danbiyu Tumba, the Chairman of Michika Local Government Area and the Vice Chairman of ALGON, said the GBV and some harmful practices have become rampart at the grassroots and need prompt response.
He said the meeting is meant to create more awareness in all 21 Local Government Areas of the state to address the menace.
