As the world marks International Women’s Day 2025, the Public Health Impact Research Centre (PHIRC) has taken a bold step in the fight against sexual violence. Recognizing that dedicated funding and the provision of services are crucial strategies for eliminating sexual violence against women and girls, PHIRC has donated Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) kits to five health facilities in Delta State. This initiative aims to enhance the management of sexual assault cases and support survivors in their journey toward justice and healing.
Empowering Healthcare Facilities with Essential Tools
The health facilities that received the SARC kits include:
- Federal Medical Centre, Asaba
- Asaba Specialist Hospital
- Central Hospital Warri
- Central Hospital Ughelli
- Berachah Community Clinic, Asaba
For Central Hospitals Warri and Ughelli, the kits were received by the Hospitals Management Board. These comprehensive kits contain critical supplies that will aid in the medical examination, documentation, and legal processing of sexual assault cases.
What’s Inside the SARC Kit?
The donated kits include essential medical and forensic items such as:
- Delta State Rape Management Protocol (Guidelines for medical and legal procedures)
- Plastic vaginal speculi (For medical examination)
- Big paper envelopes (For evidence collection)
- Syringes (5mls) (For sample collection)
- Sample bottles (Universal and EDTA) (For blood and other fluid samples)
- Swab sticks (For forensic analysis)
- Ziploc bags and black nylon bags (For secure evidence storage)
- Masking tape (For labeling evidence)
- Latex disposable gloves and surgical gloves (For medical safety)
- Surgical blade (For medical procedures)
- A notebook for record-keeping (To document cases systematically)
Free Services for Survivors
All items in the SARC kits will be used free of charge for survivors of sexual assault who seek medical care at the designated facilities. This initiative ensures that survivors receive timely medical attention, proper documentation of evidence, and necessary support to facilitate the conviction of perpetrators.
PHIRC: A Champion for Public Health
Founded in June 2002, PHIRC is a research-based non-governmental organization committed to promoting public health in Nigeria and across Africa. By providing resources and advocating for policy changes, PHIRC continues to make a significant impact in addressing gender-based violence and other pressing health concerns.
This generous donation reflects PHIRC’s unwavering commitment to breaking the cycle of sexual violence and fostering a society where women and girls can live free from fear.
To God be the glory!
