The Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG) has conducted health response training to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Mekelle, Tigray Regional State from May 17-20, 2021. The training, which was provided under a new project launched in collaboration with the Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), was attended by 31 health care professionals: gynecologists, general practitioners, nurses, and social workers from Axum, Shire, Adigrat, Maychew, Mekelle General Hospital, and Ayder Hospital.

The project aims at establishing a one-stop center for the treatment of GBV survivors in five towns: Axum, Shire, Adwa, Adigrat, and Maychew. The project will be mobilizing resources necessary for a full and effective operation of the centers and building the capacity of health care professionals that provide health services to GBV survivors.

The project also has distributed Dignity Kits: bags full of clothes, sanitary tools, food items, and other necessities for GBV survivors. Non-health response training for non-health response professionals in law enforcement, the justice system, and other areas beyond the health sector, is also planned to be conducted in the near future.   

The project is funded by CIRHT and implemented in collaboration with the Tigray Regional Health Bureau. ESOG's experience in establishing six model clinics will be put to use towards the success of the project.