Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), on Monday, commenced a week training on Basic Mental and Psychological Support (MHPSS) in emergencies for frontline health workers in the state.
The training, according to Umar Isah, who is the facilitator from SEMA, is coming at no better time than now.
He also appealed to participants to pay special attention during the training and take advantage of the exercise.
In his goodwill message, a Director in the office of the SSG, Labaran Sambo Tambuwal, thanked all donors agencies for their special concern about the well-being of the people of Sokoto State.
Labaran further assured of the state government willingness to collaborate with development partners in whatever area that will bring about positive impact on the lives of the citizenry.
On her part, UNFPA Sokoto State Programmme Officer, Mrs Gloria Enueze, said it is imoortant to have such trainings considering the fact that frontline health workers are prone to diverse challenges.
For Mrs Gloria, participants’ capacity will be built on how to handle gender based violence issues in emergencies.
This, according to her, include issues of their mental and psychological health.
She said, “It is a rare opportunity for Sokoto State hence the UNFPA deem it fit to train frontline health workers on mental health and psychological support.
“At the end of the training, Sokoto State is expected to provide assistance for women and girls at the IDP camps across the state.
“It is therefore intended to help in developing your passion to help assist women and children who needs services of the frontline health workers”.
Speaking earlier, the Director, Sokoto State Ministry for Women and Children Affairs, Habiba Ahmed, thanked UNFPA for it’s numerous assistances to the Sokoto people especially as it relates to issues of women and children.
