Harare (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe government and various partners on Wednesday launched a campaign dubbed #72Hours to improve timely access to emergency health services by survivors of sexual gender based violence (SGBV).
In a speech read on his behalf at the launch, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said it was saddening that in Zimbabwe, not all survivors of rape get the needed emergency health services within the crucial 72 hours.
“Early reporting and accessing of medical services can improve health outcomes of survivors. HIV post-exposure reflexes are effective within 72 hours, so failure by survivors to access Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and emergency consultations within 72 hours increases survivors’ risk of contracting STIs, HIV, and pregnancy. Despite the availability of
services, it is saddening to note that not all survivors access services in time.
“Between January and September 2024, only 32 percent of SGBV survivors who reported to health facilities did so within 72 hours in Zimbabwe. Low levels of awareness, stigma, and the fear associated with Sexual GBV are some of the factors that prevent survivors from seeking the care they desperately need,” he said.
He said the national response must be multifaceted, encompassing prevention, immediate care, and long-term support.
“Survivors need access to comprehensive medical care, including emergency responses for sexually transmitted infections and mental health support. We have increased dedicated SGBV response units within health care facilities, including one stop centre for SGBV survivors, to ensure that survivors receive timely and appropriate health care services,” said Dr Mombeshora.
Also represented was Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, who commended the partnership with Zimbabwe Cricket.
“We are looking forward to engaging with Zimbabwe Cricket in pushing the strategy on male engagement, because we have realized that we want to engage men as allies. We have always pointed at men as perpetrators, but we think they are also agents of change when they become allies to fighting gender-based violence,” she said.
Visiting UNFPA regional director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Lydia Zigomo said the #72Hours campaign makes a difference to the lives of survivors of sexual violence.
“Ensuring timely access to critical, life saving services following gender based violence of any kind, including sexuak violence,, is a key step in ensuring recovery by survivors. The 72 hour window, is therefore a critical factor in ensuring life-saving health services, and success of any response to GBV.
“It is time to address the stigma and fear that survivors are facing and ensure women and girls are aware of the need to seek support. We need to rally around this message and make sure women and girls out there get the message: Rape is a medical emergency! We are here to support. Seek help within 72 hours,” she said.
New Ziana
