By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
Stakeholders from government and health sectors convened in Makeni this week to advance the integration of gender considerations into One Health initiatives, enhancing epidemic preparedness and health responses throughout Sierra Leone.
The three-day workshop, held at the Wusum Hotel, was organized by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in collaboration with the National Public Health Agency (NPHA).
Attendees included key figures from government, private sectors, and district health offices, such as Dr. Lisa Seidelman from GIZ Cooperation Hesse, Dr. Joseph S. Bangura, District Medical Officer for Bombali, Gender in One Health Consultant Samuel Josephus Byrne, and Ibrahim Kamara, Director of Planning and Policy at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs.
Participants reviewed findings from district-level gender assessments and worked together to develop customized awareness-raising messages aimed at promoting gender inclusivity in epidemic preparedness, disease prevention, and health interventions. The discussions also highlighted harmful practices, including early marriage and domestic violence, and emphasized the need for robust response mechanisms to Gender-Based Violence during public health emergencies.
The workshop concluded with renewed commitments to mainstream gender in One Health policies, enhance cross-sector collaboration, and implement concrete actions at both national and district levels.
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