The Prevention and Response to Sexual Misconduct (PRS) unit in the WHO African Region (AFRO) is committed to safeguarding the dignity and rights of beneficiaries and personnel. Guided by WHO’s zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, the PRS unit integrates safeguarding measures into WHO’s programs and operations across 47 country offices.

The unit comprises a Regional Coordinator, a Technical Officer, an Administrative Assistant, and 19 PRS Focal Points supporting clusters within AFRO. Additionally, 7 PRS Coordinators, 4 National Professional Officers, and 185 designated focal points across the region ensure the implementation of PRS activities at country levels.

We do not harm the people we are entrusted to serve or to the people with whom we serve and as such envision a world where:

• No victim of sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment goes unheard or unsupported.
• No perpetrator goes unpunished.
• No workforce member has any excuse for sexual misconduct or for inaction when they hear about an incident.
• No implementing partner is exempt from meeting our standards.

WHO maintains zero tolerance for any form of sexual misconduct committed by its personnel and implementing partners. Identifying and addressing opportunities, challenges, and risks in the Africa Region while delivering actionable recommendations.

The PRS unit in the WHO African Region is guided by the following strategic objectives: 

• Raise Awareness:
  Increase understanding of PRSEAH (Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment) and its associated risks among WHO personnel, partners, and beneficiary communities.
• Mainstream Safeguarding: 
  Integrate PRSEAH into all WHO programs and operations across the 47 country offices in AFRO.
• Promote Safeguarding Policies and Systems: 
  Implement policies and systems that ensure effective prevention, early detection, and response to sexual misconduct. Strengthen accountability mechanisms at all levels of the organization. 

Through these objectives, the PRS unit works to protect beneficiaries, foster a respectful workplace, and ensure accountability in the face of sexual misconduct.