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Close to seventeen medical practitioners from various hospitals in Douala, Littoral Region, Cameroon, recently enhanced their skills in Comprehensive Abortion Care during a one-day training organized by the Society for Gynaecologists and Obstetricians Cameroon (SOGOC).
Participants at the end of the workshop
Held at the conference hall of Bano Palace Hotel on October 18, 2024, the workshop aimed to improve healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding comprehensive abortion care and related Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services.
The session was chaired by SOGOC’s Secretary General, Dr. Darolles Mwadjie, who also served as one of the facilitators.
The workshop began with an exercise led by Mr. Ngang Peter, the Lead Facilitator, which focused on the prevalence of unsafe abortion among participants. Titled “Crossing the Line,” this exercise revealed that all participants had direct or indirect connections to the issue of abortion. It highlighted that abortion is a real concern that has affected many, if not all, participants personally. Mr. Ngang emphasized that while individuals may hold personal beliefs and values, they have the opportunity to evaluate and refine these beliefs, especially when they negatively impact humanity.
Following this, participants identified various values related to abortion. The goal was to determine whether these values could compromise their professional practices as healthcare providers. They were encouraged to demonstrate empathy and actively listen to women and colleagues facing abortion-related situations.
Dr Darolles Mwadje facilitating a session during the workshop
In a brief presentation, Dr. Mwadjie illustrated the state of maternal mortality in Cameroon and the efforts of the ACAC project to address this critical issue. He informed attendees that the project advocates for judicial and administrative reforms to simplify the abortion laws in Cameroon.
Participants shared their experiences related to abortion, leading to the conclusion that many women suffer and die because of the lack of accessible abortion care, ignorance of the law, and fear of stigma.
The workshop concluded with the presentation and distribution of a referral pathway document. This five-part document was developed to provide standardized guidelines for medical care, treatment, and rehabilitative services for survivors of rape. It offers a multi-sectoral response to the challenges faced by stakeholders in supporting survivors and aligns with national strategies aimed at preventing and eliminating all forms of sexual violence. The document was created in collaboration with government ministries and organizations working in SRH.
Lead Facilitator Mr Ngang Peter engaging participants in a session
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