The Ministry of Health and Wellness, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), recently hosted a capacity-building workshop focused on the Clinical Management of Rape and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
The initiative, part of the Build Back Equal (BBE) project funded by Global Affairs Canada, aimed to strengthen Saint Lucia’s frontline clinical response to survivors of rape and other forms of gender-based violence.
The training brought together healthcare professionals from across the island, equipping them with advanced skills to deliver comprehensive, patient-centred care. In addition to enhancing clinical management of sexual violence, participants received updated guidance on STI treatment protocols, contributing to a more integrated and holistic approach to sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Senior Medical Officer Dr Gail Gajadhar emphasised the importance of continuous professional development. “Improving and updating clinical knowledge and management will allow for better integration of services offered to communities, especially in a polyclinic setting, ultimately reducing the burden on hospital emergency services,” she explained.
Before the BBE initiative, UNFPA conducted Minimal Initial Service Package training for reproductive health in crisis situations, including natural disasters and population displacement. A key component of that effort was a ‘Training of Trainers’ workshop held in Guyana in 2023, which focused on the clinical management of rape and response to survivors of intimate partner violence. The recent three-day workshop in Saint Lucia built upon that foundation, deepening local capacity.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Ernest Norbal highlighted the health consequences of sexual assault, including the risk of STIs, and underscored the importance of the training.
“Sexual assault is one form of gender-based violence, and sexually transmitted infections can occur in the aftermath of these assaults,” he said. These workshops will increase and improve the capacity of the ministry to respond and to manage affected persons.”
Norbal also expressed gratitude for the continued support from Global Affairs Canada and the collaborative efforts of UNFPA and UN Women under the Build Back Equal umbrella.
As part of the initiative, UNFPA also handed over a range of essential sexual and reproductive health commodities to the ministry. These included breast examination models, tools for training in the insertion of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives, female pelvic models, condoms and other critical supplies.
Funded by the Build Back Equal Project and Global Affairs Canada, these resources will bolster the ministry’s ability to deliver high-quality sexual and reproductive health services, particularly to vulnerable populations, while advancing broader goals of accessibility, responsiveness and care quality in the health sector.