In collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Well being, the World Well being Group (WHO) continues to make strides in fostering protected and respectful workplaces throughout Ethiopia’s well being sector. A latest milestone on this endeavor was a one-day coaching workshop on Stopping and Responding to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PRSEAH), held on October 28, 2024, in Adama, Ethiopia. This workshop, supported technically and financially by WHO, underscores a shared dedication to establishing zero tolerance for SEAH in federal well being establishments.
The workshop skilled PRSEAH focal factors from federal hospitals, well being businesses, and administrative models, equipping them with sensible abilities to stop, report, and handle SEAH incidents. Members gained experience in coordination, communication, and action-oriented methods, fostering stronger networks and collaboration for efficient SEAH response mechanisms.
Ethiopia’s difficult circumstances, together with overlapping crises of battle, illness outbreaks, and pure disasters, spotlight the significance of safeguarding well being employees and communities. The Ministry of Well being, with WHO’s steerage, has localized world finest practices into tailor-made pointers, making certain relevance to Ethiopia’s context. Translation of those sources into Amharic has additional enhanced accessibility and influence.
“WHO’s technical and monetary help has been invaluable in constructing a strong basis to deal with office harassment and SEA,” remarked Ms. Tesfanesh and Ms. Alemtsehay, Girls and Social Affairs Inclusion Administrators from ALERT Hospital and the Ethiopia Pharmaceutical Provide Service. “These efforts empower us to create protected and inclusive environments for our workforce.”
The PRSEAH coaching is a part of a broader initiative to strengthen resilience in Ethiopia’s well being sector. Amid emergencies, when employees are below heightened stress, making certain a protected and respectful office is important for sustaining morale and repair high quality.
“In occasions of disaster, defending the workforce is as important as safeguarding communities,” emphasised a participant. “This coaching equips us with clear protocols and confidence to uphold zero tolerance for SEAH, even throughout emergencies.”
The workshop is one in every of many steps in a sustained partnership between WHO and the Ministry of Well being. WHO’s help, protecting monetary prices and logistical wants, ensures that PRSEAH focal factors are well-equipped to meet their roles. The Ministry will proceed to observe the progress of focal factors and develop safeguarding practices throughout federal well being establishments, with WHO offering ongoing technical help.
By means of these collaborative efforts, Ethiopia is steadily advancing towards a imaginative and prescient of a compassionate and moral well being sector, the place dignity, security, and respect are upheld for all.