In their efforts to reduce maternal mortality rate Nigeria, a Non-governmental Organization, International Programme Assisted Services (IPAS) championing campaign for women sexual reproductive health and rights on Wednesday called on all state governments to pass violence against persons prohibition Act (VAPP).
The Country Director of IPAS, Barr Hauwa Shkarau, made the call at the ongoing annual Providers Network Conference with the theme “Improving Collaboration among Providers” in Gombe.
Shekarau said the law which was signed into law by former President GoodLuck Jonathan in 2015 sought to end sexual violence and protect rights of survivors to receive comprehensive medical care.
She noted that the Act covered only FCT when signed but some few states, including Kaduna, Ogun and Edo had adopted it for the benefit of the women in their states while some were still in the process and others yet to begin.
“When all the states of the federation adopt the violence against persons prohibition Act, it will become easier for Ipas and other partners to implement the policies that improve women’s health and rights across the country which will reduce the alarming rate of maternal mortality,” She said.
She said over 250 participants for the Conference were drawn from Taraba, Adamawa, Jigawa, Abia, Ogun, Gombe and FCT.
