This is the first SOP developed by the Ministry of Health as a guide to ensure
proper processes and documentation are followed in response to SGBV. The SOP contributes
to the overall vision of the Ministry of Health, “A healthy, prosperous and sustainable Vanuatu
in which all people, especially women, children, young people, people with disability and other
vulnerable groups, and those living in rural areas, enjoy a high quality of physical, mental,
spiritual and social well-being through equitable access to affordable and quality health care”.
The SOP presents clear procedures, roles and responsibilities for healthcare providers in all
health care facilities in Vanuatu for the clinical management of rape, sexual violence, and
gender-based violence (adult and child). It is important that all health care workers understand
their responsibilities and roles to play in the care of survivors of sexual and gender-based
violence.
The community will benefit from health care services available at all health facilities
to manage and assess gender-based violence and sexual assaults, to ensure that survivors’
health needs are met in the care, treatment and referral to social support services.
The SGBV SOP provides guidance on processes and procedures for the survivor’s pathway to
ensure they receive the appropriate care they need during and after clinical examination and
assessment. This will allow other referral services outside of health to continue to support and
follow up on survivors for the support they need. The SOP provides guidance and direction to
health professionals to implement procedures and a step by step response to survivors of SGBV.
The Health Facility Readiness and Service Availability report in December 2020 showed that
0% of facilities are able to provide minimum services for gender-based violence (GBV) that
meet global standards (54% of facilities reported offering at least one GBV service).
See the SOP HERE.