Source: Sexual violence care guidelines launched – herald
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora (left), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Ms Miranda Tabifor (centre) and Child Care Deputy Director Commissioner Anne Musiwa officially launch the Clinical Guidelines on the Care and Management of Survivors of Sexual Violence in Harare yesterday. – Picture: Esther Mushove.Rumbidzayi Zinyuke-Senior Health Reporter
ZIMBABWE has committed to strengthening access to quality, survivor-centred care for victims of sexual violence following the launch of revised national clinical guidelines aimed at standardising the management of cases across the country’s health system.
The revised guidelines, launched in Harare yesterday by Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, are expected to equip healthcare workers with updated tools and procedures to provide comprehensive medical, psychosocial and referral services to survivors.
The launch comes as Zimbabwe continues to grapple with sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), with about one in four women having experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Mombeshora said sexual violence was not only a criminal justice issue, but also a health, social and economic challenge that requires a coordinated response.
“Sexual violence remains one of the most painful violations of human dignity. Behind every case is a human story,” he said.
“A child whose sense of safety has been shattered. A woman trying to rebuild her life. A boy or a man suffering in silence because of stigma and fear. A family searching for support and justice.”
Dr Mombeshora said the revised guidelines recognise that survivors come from all walks of life and must be treated with dignity, confidentiality and compassion.
“When survivors arrive at our health facilities, whether in Harare, Binga, Chipinge, Gokwe or Beitbridge, they deserve more than medical treatment,” he said.
“They deserve to be treated with respect. They deserve confidentiality. They deserve compassion. Above all, they deserve hope.”
The minister said the initiative aligns with Vision 2030 and the Second Republic’s commitment to ensuring that no one and no place is left behind, while strengthening access to health services across the country.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative in Zimbabwe, Ms Miranda Tabifor, said the revised guidelines were necessary to respond to changing realities and strengthen the capacity of frontline healthcare workers.
She said UNFPA remains committed to supporting Government efforts through training, provision of essential commodities and support for one-stop centres offering integrated services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
“To bridge that gap, our collective response must recognise the different components of this crisis,” she said.
Ms Tabifor said UNFPA-supported one-stop centres provided direct services to more than 7 000 survivors in 2025 and reached over 17 000 additional people through community-based interventions and awareness programmes.
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