By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), on Monday, commenced a week step down 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 appealed to participants to be keenly interested in every bit of the moment spent while the training last.
In his goodwill message, a Director in the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Labaran Sambo Tambuwal, thanked all donor agencies for their special concern about the well-being of the people of Sokoto State.
Labaran further assured of the State Government's 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 important 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.
"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 to 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", Mrs Gloria noted
Speaking earlier, the Director, Sokoto State Ministry for Women and Children Affairs, Habiba Ahmed, thanked UNFPA for it's numerous assistance to the Sokoto, especially as it relates to issues of women and children.
A Cross Section of participants at the one week training in mental health and psychological support for Sokoto Frontline Health Workers holden at Shukura Hotels, Sokoto. NNL.
