Lokichar – February 7, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Health officials in Turkana County have been sensitized on Gender-Based violence (GBV) policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures in a workshop organized by the Department of Health Services and Sanitation.

The sensitization brought together the County Health Management Team (CHMT) to discuss GBV response mechanisms, and national guidelines.

Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, Janerose Tioko, noted that the initiative is part of the COVID-19 Health Emergency Response Project supported by World Bank Group.

She revealed that between 2020 and 2023, Turkana recorded 1,657 GBV cases in the Kenya Health Information System (KHIS).

“According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS 2023), 42% of women aged 15-49 in Turkana have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, compared to the national average of 34%. Additionally, 11% of women in this age group reported experiencing sexual violence,” she said.

National Trainer of Trainers from the Ministry of Health, Rose Waruguru, emphasized the government’s commitment to providing comprehensive services to GBV survivors.

“As national GBV leadership, we aim to excel in service provision, ensuring that survivors receive all necessary care at no cost and through a one-stop approach,” she stated.

During the workshop, CHMT officials reviewed the county’s GBV situation compared to national data from the Kenya Health Information System and KDHS 2022.

The session was attended by Dr Ezekiel Etelej, County Chief Officer for Medical Services, along with directors, deputy directors, and program officers.