Chinedum Treasure
A medical consultant, Dr. Ogbonna Okoh has advised Female Sex Workers (FSWs) to seek medical attention from qualified professionals for abortion and post-abortion care.
Okoh gave the advice during a 10-day training program for Female Sex Workers (FSWs) on post abortion care, safety and security in Ebonyi state organized by Equitable Health for Women and Empowerment Initiative (EHWEI).
He also advised the sex workers to stop going to chemist shop, herbal drugs sellers and unqualified individuals to get drugs for abortion, stressing that drugs could affect the hormones responsible for female reproductive system.
He warned the sex workers against using chemical/harsh soap to wash their private parts after sex, but to use clean water.
Describing abortion as termination of unwanted pregnancy, which could come naturally as miscarriage or being induced medically, Okoh insisted that abortion should be done by professional personnel to avert consequences which he said could be physical, emotional or psychological.
“Physical consequences include bleeding and infection, damage to reproductive organs (abortion can cause damage to the cervix, and uterus which can lead to infertility in future, because these organs are delicate), pregnancy complications, among others.
“The emotional consequences include guilty and shame (some may feel guilty or regret after abortion), anxiety and depression, relationship problems and other consequences.
“Long term consequences can lead to death or mental health concerns. So, abortion should be done by professional personnel. Post Abortion Care is the medical and emotional support provided after an abortion,” he explained.
Delivering a paper on Safety and Security Measures, including physical, emotional, and environmental safety, Training Facilitator, Israel Orji advised FSWs to have two bank accounts, use passwords on their phones, and inform someone about their whereabouts.
He said, “Safety is the protection of people, equipment, and the environment from harm.
“It’s advisable to have two bank accounts, one for savings and another one for emergency. There should be no ATM card and transfer codes for the account made for savings purposes, while the one for emergency should be made operational.
“While going out, you should always tell someone the details of where you are going to, in case of uncertainty. Meanwhile, use passwords (alphabets, numbers and special characters) on your phones.
Executive Director, EHWEI, Igwe Precious Nneka urged female sex workers to ensure someone was aware of their whereabouts while moving out with any man to avert any evil intention.
“Each time you go out with any man, let there be someone who is aware of your whereabouts as this will avert any evil intention being harboured by the man,” she added.
The ED thanked the participants, brothel owners and funders, Initiative Sankofa d’Afrique de L’Ouest (ISDAO) for their support.
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