ICRC Equips Nigerian Surgeons on Lifesaving Techniques in Areas of Armed Conflict

ICRC Equips Nigerian Surgeons on Lifesaving Techniques in Areas of Armed Conflict

Abuja (ICRC) – Health professionals working in areas affected by armed conflict and violence received essential training that will enable them to provide lifesaving surgical care to weapon wounded patients in difficult environments with limited equipment and resources.

The training, that took place in Abuja between November 12 and 14, was organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. It included lifesaving techniques to manage injuries from explosions, abdominal and thoracic injuries as well as fractures from other weapons.

“The seminar is of paramount importance as many people in areas affected by conflict and violence do not have access to basic health services. Repeated attacks against healthcare personnel and facilities make the situation even more dramatic,” said Eloi Fillion, the Head of the ICRC Delegation in Nigeria.

According to international humanitarian law and the principles of medical ethic, all wounded people have the right to medical care and the ICRC works to promote these principles.

The ICRC in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health has been organizing surgical seminars in Nigeria since 2012 and has so far trained over 400 surgeons, nurses and anaesthetists.

The ICRC surgical team in Maiduguri has this year operated about 1,700 casualties.

In addition, over 260,000 persons received access to healthcare services in twenty primary healthcare centres supported by the ICRC. Together with the Nigerian Red Cross, the organization has provided first aid training to over 1,500 people in nineteen states of Nigeria.

Aliyu Dawobe
Public Relations Officer