World Health Organization (WHO), with support from the Governments of Norway and United Kingdom, has enhanced the capacity of 26 members of staff on Prevention And Response To Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, And Harassment (PRSEAH).

The capacity building sessions, that were co-facilitated by the WHO Africa Regional and Uganda Country offices targeted PRSEAH focal points from head office and regional hubs included cluster heads and pillar leads. The cluster heads are expected to cascade the training to other team members. This will contribute to a zero-tolerance culture for PRSEAH in WHO and create a conducive environment that promotes staff well-being.

The sessions reflected on the WHO Gender Policy, GBV concept and the work environment and how staff can be facilitated to perform their work in a safe environment that is free of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, or sexual abuse. The sessions also re-echoed the commitment of the leadership to expeditiously respond to any emerging cases of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH).

 “WHO is committed to zero tolerance to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment, with a mandate to support survivors, improve SEAH capacity, and strengthen reporting mechanisms. I am glad that AFRO has organized a PRSEAH meeting for staff including Cluster Leads. This training should strengthen our knowledge on PRSEAH and encourage us to embed it in our public health interventions with emphasis on creating a conducive environment that promotes staff and beneficiary well-being”, said Dr. Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, WHO Representative in Uganda.

The recent Ebola outbreak in Uganda saw several individuals engaged as responders and highlighted the need for PRSEAH knowledge and skills amongst all staff especially during emergencies. At the same time, PRSEAH Focal points in Uganda were recently brought on board and were required to be abreast of PRSEAH concept, knowledge and skills.

“Managers, leaders, heads of country offices, all have an added role to play to create the systems and environment for effective prevention, early detection, safe reporting, and support to victims and survivors,” said Cocco Benedetta, a trainer during the Training of Trainers session for focal points.

According to Dr. Nicholas Kwikiriza, a PRSEAH focal point for Karamoja region, “When you hear about PRSEAH for the first time, it is very scary. The capacity building sessions helped to address the grey areas on the subject.”