When Dooshima, who lives in the Daudu Internally Displaced Persons camp in Benue State, joined a community dialogue on preventing sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, she heard something new.
“For the first time, I understood that this should not be accepted, and that there are safe ways to report and get help,” she said. “Now I know my rights and how to support others.”
Her experience reflects a wider reality. Many people in displacement settings do not know where to seek help or who to trust. In Nigeria, this remains a concern as ongoing displacement continues to place women, girls and other vulnerable groups at higher risk of exploitation and abuse.
This initiative comes at a critical moment, as Nigeria strengthens its response to gender-based violence and related protection risks. It aligns with the National Gender in Health Policy 2025 and broader humanitarian efforts supporting internally displaced people. It also reflects national priorities on preventing gender-based violence and ensuring accountability to affected populations, meaning people can safely raise concerns, be heard and access the health care they need.
Strengthening protection systems
To address these gaps, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, together with the Benue State Government, worked with WHO to strengthen protection systems in displacement camps. Funding support was provided by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The programme trained 18 civil society representatives on the prevention of and response to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. Health workers from referral facilities were also trained to provide victim centred care that is safe, confidential and respectful.
The work goes beyond training. It focuses on building systems that connect people to services and ensure concerns are acted on.
“The health system is often one of the first places victims in need of health care go,” said Dr Inigbehe Oyinloye, PRSEAH Technical Officer. “When health workers are prepared, victims are more likely to receive the care they need.”
These efforts contribute to WHO’s mandate to strengthen health systems, promote safe health services and ensure accountability in humanitarian settings.
From training to community action
After the training, participants returned to their communities and shared what they learned. They worked with camp leaders, women’s groups and youth representatives to reach more people.
Across five camps, more than 20,000 displaced persons were reached, including about 12,000 women and girls and 5,000 men and boys. Adolescents took part in discussions on personal safety, rights and how to seek help. People living with disabilities were also engaged through adapted sessions.
These activities led to clear changes.
Awareness of reporting channels and GBV service utilization increased from 39% to 57%, as survivors were linked to health, protection and psychosocial services through established systems.
Community members also began raising concerns more openly. Over 2,000 concerns and complaints were documented in 2024 through safe reporting mechanisms. This information was used to improve services and outreach.
In response, reporting information was displayed in visible areas, and 60 trained community focal persons now serve as trusted links between residents and support services.
Voices from the community
For many women and girls, access to information has brought confidence.
“We were afraid to speak before,” said Rachel, a resident of Mega camp. “Now we know where to go and what to do. And we tell others.”
Young people are also playing a role.
“I tell my friends what I learned,” said 16 year old Mary from International Market camp. “We know we have people we can talk to.”
Community leaders say attitudes are changing.
“People used to think this should be kept quiet,” said Joshua Labe, a civil society representative. “Now they ask questions and seek help. That is a big shift.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
