Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Senior Health Reporter
ZIMBABWE has launched revised national clinical guidelines for the care and management of sexual violence survivors as part of efforts to strengthen access to quality, survivor-centred services across the country’s health system.
The guidelines, launched in Harare today by Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, provide healthcare workers with a standardised framework for the management of sexual violence cases while promoting dignity, confidentiality, informed consent and non-discrimination.
Speaking during the launch, Dr Mombeshora said the guidelines reflected the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every survivor receives professional and compassionate care.
“A guideline is only useful if we change the experience of a real person in a real health facility when they need help,” he said.
“That is why today is important. We are not merely launching a document, we are strengthening Zimbabwe’s commitment to ensure that every survivor of sexual violence receives the kind of professional, compassionate and dignified care.”
The revised guidelines are expected to strengthen the health sector’s response to sexual violence and improve coordination between health facilities and other support services for survivors.
