•America’s CDC celebrates 20th anniversary in Nigeria
Chiemelie Ezeobi in Lagos and Michael Olugbode in Abuja
As part of efforts to counter gender-based violence in Nigeria, the United States Consulate General yesterday concluded a three-day capacity building program for 100 police officers and civil defense operatives.
The workshop was organised in partnership with the U.S.-based International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), one of the foremost anti-sexual violence organisations in Nigeria.
The law enforcement training program covered several topics including ways of overcoming complexities of gender-based violence, trauma-informed first response, and investigative strategies to improve law enforcement response to gender-based violence.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the training in Lagos, United States Consul General, Claire Pierangelo highlighted the US government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that break the cycle of sexual and gender-based violence.
She noted that a more open, inclusive and democratic society that respects the diversity and rights of women is critical to preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
Addressing the officers, Pierangelo said: “We count on you all as you lead the improvement in the management of gender-based cases at your stations.
“Gender based violence has life threatening consequences for women and girls and will have a profound impact on their opportunities and life trajectory.
“No woman or girl child should live in fear of violence. Every girl should grow up knowing she is safe and free to follow her dreams and live her best life.”
Meanwhile, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has celebrated the 20th anniversary of its establishment in Nigeria.
The Nigeria country office was established in November 2001, to support the country improve its disease surveillance systems, build institutional competencies, and expand human resources for health capacities.
At the 20th anniversary ceremony, US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), Kathleen FitzGibbon, joined CDC to celebrate the impact of CDC’s support to Nigeria’s health sector, stating that: “CDC’s work of saving lives is the most critical mission of the US Government in its support to Nigeria.”
She also described the CDC mission and staff as clear evidence of the importance of health diplomacy in bilateral and multilateral relations.
The CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, also thanked the Nigeria team for their dedication and commitment to saving lives, improving the well-being of people in Nigeria, and charting a strong public health course for the future to build a healthier and safer Nigeria, the continent of Africa, and the world.
She stated that despite challenges of the last several years, the over 100-member team in Nigeria had shown great resolve and accomplished remarkable successes in collaboration with the government and partners.
In her remarks, the Country Director, Dr. Mary Adetinuke Boyd, paid tribute to past leadership and recognized the staff and partners as the most critical asset for the agency.
She said the combined efforts of the government, CDC staff, and partners had made Nigeria one of CDC’s most prominent country offices that supports HIV and TB epidemic control, expands global health security, assists with malaria elimination, and reinforces vaccine-preventable diseases.
Boyd added: “Since 2001, the collective work of the team has supported Nigeria to put over one million people living with HIV on life-saving treatment.
“In addition, it supported the government to eliminate wild poliovirus, advance towards malaria elimination and establish a robust public health institute that detects, prevents, and responds to disease outbreaks.”
