In an effort to enhance the management and conservation of evidence in cases of sexual assault, the government of Bayelsa State has raised the stakes by pledging to ensure that evidence obtained from victims is well-managed and presented in court.
This commitment was re-emphasized on Thursday during the visit of members of the Gender Response Initiative (GRIT), Bayelsa State chapter, to the office of the Commissioner for Health, Prof Seiyefa Brisibe, in order to explore possibilities for working together to enhance the management of forensic evidence in relation to health and justice issues.
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Brisibe said the partnership demonstrates the state government’s determination to blend healthcare and justice in combating sexual assault, adding that good quality of life and long life expectancy cannot be achieved without a multi-sectorial approach. He added that in order to ensure effective healthcare services to victims, there should be adequate systems that can help ensure successful prosecution if need be.
According to him, the government of Governor Douye Diri is working towards achieving a larger dream of not only offering universal healthcare to all residents but ensuring general welfare of all Bayelsans.
He equally emphasized the need for more focus on the boy-child in gender-related programs because involving the boy-child at an earlier stage on gender equality and respect for women was a means of prevention against sexual violence and other societal problems.
Brisibe reiterated the commitment of the ministry to support all efforts aimed at ensuring a safer environment and better health service delivery, noting the government’s willingness to collaborate with the necessary partners for a better result for survivors of sexual assault.
Other people who attended the meeting include Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Jones Stow; Executive Secretary, Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Williams Appah; Director of Public Health, Dr. Ebikapaye Okoyen; Director of Medical Services, among others.
