SHINYANGA: Over 178.3m/- have been used to complete the construction a One Stop Center in Kishapu District Council, Shinyanga Region.
In the course, it will be for reporting cases of sexual harassment, psychological, physical violence and child abandonment.
Making the revelation on Monday during the inauguration of the center, the area Acting District Medical Officer, Dr. Godfrey Kisusi noted that the construction has adhered to all necessary health standards, including rooms for privacy, resting, children, doctors, desks, social welfare, and toilets for the general public as well as people with disabilities.
Additionally, the DMO said between March and December this year, about 192 people have already reported incidents of sexual, physical, psychological violence, and child abandonment cases.
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The construction which began in August 2023 was completed in March 2024 under the “Haki Yangu, Chagua Langu” project funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the Government of Finland.
Commenting on the importance of the center, the Shinyanga Regional Commissioner, Annamringi Macha, called on citizens to report all acts of violence at the center and stop the habit of settling them privately at home.
Moreover, she urged staff working at the center to keep victims’ information confidential and ensure the building does not become a storage space for obsolete items.
On his part, John Eddy, a beneficiary , stated that the project has granted them with the education of how to fight against violence acts and practice to boys and men for a safe society.
According to the Tanzania Health Demographic Survey (THDS), 23 percent of violence cases include 6.01 percent affecting women and children.
UNFPA Resident Representative Mark Schreiner has pledged more collaboration with the Tanzanian government in achieving the project goals, particularly for women, girls, and people with disabilities.
Juhana Lehtinen, a representative from Finland, highlighted that their embassy prioritizes women and girls without discrimination while calling on stakeholders to maintain the wellbeing of the building.
