%0 Journal Article
%T Integration of Services for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse at the University Teaching Hospital One-Stop Centre
%A Elwyn Chomba
%A Laura Murray
%A Michele Kautzman
%A Alan Haworth
%A Mwaba Kasese-Bota
%A Chipepo Kankasa
%A Kaunda Mwansa
%A Mia Amaya
%A Don Thea
%A Katherine Semrau
%J Journal of Tropical Medicine
%D 2010
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2010/864760
%X Objective. To improve care of sexually abused children by establishment of a ¡°One Stop Centre¡± at the University Teaching Hospital. Methodology. Prior to opening of the One Stop Centre, a management team comprising of clinical departmental heads and a technical group of professionals (health workers, police, psychosocial counselors lawyers and media) were put in place. The team evaluated and identified gaps and weaknesses on the management of sexually abused children prevailing in Zambia. A manual was produced which would be used to train all professionals manning a One Stop Centre. A team of consultants from abroad were identified to offer need based training activities and a database was developed. Results. A multidisciplinary team comprising of health workers, police and psychosocial counselors now man the centre. The centre is assisted by lawyers as and when required. UTH is offering training to other areas of the country to establish similar services by using a Trainer of Trainers model. A comprehensive database has been established for Lusaka province. Conclusion. For establishment of a One Stop Centre, there needs to be a core group comprising of managers as well as a technical team committed to the management and protection of sexually abused children. 1. Introduction Zambia is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa with a population of about 10.8 million. Fifty one percent of the population is made up of women and children. Over 70% of the population lives below the poverty datum line [1]. The Gross Per Capita Income is $630, and 13% of central government expenditure is allocated to health care (UNICEF Zambia Statistics). According to the Zambia Demographics and Health Survey in 2007, it is estimated that 14.3% of the sexually active age group (15¨C49) is living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) [2], 12.3% males and 16.1% females. Children have been much affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Zambia, where over 30,000 children are HIV positive [3]. While perinatal transmission accounts for the majority of new pediatric HIV infections, in countries such as Zambia, where HIV prevalance is high, sexual exposure remains an important risk factor in children in the postweaning period. While HIV transmission rates attributable to sexual abuse are unknown, pediatric victims of sexual abuse are at a higher risk of HIV transmission due to physical trauma and due to the fact that multiple exposures often occur prior to discovery of the abuse [4] In a pilot study conducted at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, Zambia in 2003, 99%
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jtm/2010/864760/