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<p>A Story by Nurse Ekwem Chinwendu Blessing (BNSC, RPHN, RM, RN)</p><div class="MLfWYGWC" style="clear:both;float:left;width:100%;margin:0 0 20px 0;"><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

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<p>I was out on my routine duty at Murtala Specialist Hospital for my ambulance service when I decided to take a walk to a centre I had heard about from Sir Muhammad Sunusi Specialist Hospital Accident and Emergency Unit. The centre is called WARAKA–SARC — &#8216;Waraka&#8217; meaning &#8216;healing&#8217; in the English language. It is housed in the same building with the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA), a beautiful block within Murtala Specialist Hospital. The centre comprises three offices and two toilets. Inside, the offices are adorned with colourful posters of alphabets, numbers, GBV survivors support, pathway for initial care after sexual assaults and domestic animals and pets, creating a quiet and therapeutic atmosphere. The staff are warm and friendly.</p>
<p>The centre was sponsored by non-governmental organisation&#8217;s (NGOs) and championed by four ministries in the state: the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and the State Police Force. Unfortunately, the NGOs have since pulled out. WARAKA–SARC attends to cases of sexual assault and gender-based violence for both males and females. I was informed that between 7 and 12 September 2015, training was conducted for doctors, nurses, and counsellors on the management of such cases. Due to the high rate of reported incidents, the NGOs and the four aforementioned ministries pushed for the official opening of the centre.</p>
<p>During my visit, I met several members of staff: a nurse nearing retirement, counsellors, a receptionist, and a volunteer who also serves as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer. She conducts serological tests such as pregnancy test (serum), HIV, HBsAg, HCV, and VDRL. I had expected to see a doctor trained to assist with forensic examinations, but none was present. I was told that doctors had indeed been trained to provide evidence-based care to clients; however, due to the high demand for medical personnel, they were redeployed to other hospitals and units. Due to that, When a client presents — whether as a case of domestic violence or assault — they are referred to the Gynaecology Emergency Unit, the Gynaecology Ward, the Accident and Emergency Unit, or the Paediatric Unit, depending on the client&#8217;s age and the nature of the assault. Following examination, the client returns to WARAKA–SARC for further management, including counselling and serology. On average, the centre sees about fifty clients per week.</p>
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<p>Notwithstanding these challenges, this is the only functioning centre in the state that attends to cases of sexual assault and gender-based violence. I noted that all services rendered to clients are free of charge, and the centre also provides continuous follow-up care.</p>
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<p>Based on my observation, WARAKA–SARC is a sensitive and vital centre. I therefore suggest the following measures to improve the care and services provided to clients:</p>
<p>· The deployment of medical personnel — including doctors, nurses, and counselling psychologists — to the centre.</p>
<p>· The four ministries should consistently include the centre in their annual budgets.</p>
<p>· Continuous engagement of staff through training, rural outreach programmes, community sensitisation, and the provision of incentives.</p>
<p>· NGOs should resume and sustain their collaboration with the centre.</p>
<p>· Proper referral pathways for clients to the centre must be established and maintained.</p>
<p>· The Ministry of Justice should make it mandatory for all cases of sexual assault and gender-based violence to pass through WARAKA–SARC before trial. This will enhance the centre&#8217;s visibility among individuals and communities.</p>
<p>· Additional centres should be established in strategic local government areas to bring services closer to rural communities far from Kano town, thereby improving access and utilisation.</p>
<p>· Community enlightenment on the importance of the centre and the need to seek help freely when necessary.</p>
<p>· Religious and community leaders should partner with the centre to promote peace and encourage community members to utilise its services.</p>
<p> ;</p>
<p>Speak out, get help — end the cycle of violence.</p>
<p>WARAKA SARC: Your path to healing and justice.</p>
<p>Stop GBV. Support survivors. Strengthen justice.</p>
<p>WARAKA SARC: Restoring dignity, rebuilding lives.</p>
<p>Supporting survivors with care, dignity, and compassion.</p>
<p>WARAKA SARC — A Safe Space for Healing.</p>
<p> ;</p>
<p>WARAKA–SARC HOTLINES</p>
<p>0903 042 4123</p>
<p>0902 894 4933</p>
<p>SAY NO TO GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE</p>
<p>END VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN</p>
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