GENDER BASED VIOLENCE FACILITY TO BE OPERATIONALIZED IN KAKAMEGA COUNTY

Kakamega is one of the leading Counties in Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases with Shinyalu, Ikolomani, Khwisero, Matungu and Lugari Sub-Counties recording alarming rates. This is according to a study submitted to Kenya Health Information System by the health facility data.

The County Executive Member for Health Services Dr. Collins Matemba Wednesday received a building that has been under renovation with financial support from USAID’s Afya Halisi project: the building is set to host GBV victims; men, women, boys, girls and children of Kakamega County.

Speaking at the facility within the County General Hospital, Dr. Matemba extended his gratitude to the development partner acclaiming confidence that the victims will be well attended to once the facility becomes operational. The County Government, he added, is collaborating with law enforcement agencies to ensure all GBV perpetrators are apprehended and charged accordingly.

“We are on course with finalizing the GBV policy which l believe will bring sanity in our communities once the County Assembly approves the document,” Said Dr. Matemba.

Afya Halisi Chief of Party Dr. Solomon Orero expressed confidence that the facility will meet its needs as spelt out by the medical staff.

CGH Medical Superintendent Dr. Victor Zimbulu said the facility receives an average number of 1-3 clients mainly sexually molested patients.

“Gender Based Violence has its associated stigma. This center now gives us an opportunity to attend to these patients directly whenever they seek for our services,” said Dr. Zimbulu as he proposed for a community support Program that will ensure GBV cases are timely reported to the relevant authorities.

Similar centres will also be operationalized soon in Mumias East and Khwisero Sub-Counties.

Also in attendance were Ag. Chief Officer Health Services Mr. Phanuel Wemali, the County Director for Medical Services Dr. John Odhiambo and the County Coordinator for Prevention and Response to GBV Madam Rose Muhanda among other Health Officers.