Setting New Standards: WHO and African Health Ministries Unite to Combat Sexual Exploitation in Health Operations

WHO has teamed up with 42 African nations to kick off an important initiative aimed at preventing and responding to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PRSEAH) in healthcare settings. This was highlighted during the African Strategic Conference held in Pretoria from November 17 to 20. The conference aimed to create a model for safeguarding reforms that can be referenced globally.

This initiative builds on the PRSEAH Accountability Framework, which was endorsed at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025. This framework offers a flexible starting point for health ministries to ensure safe practices in collaboration with WHO. It’s unique because it tackles not just exploitation and abuse but also sexual harassment, addressing gaps in existing global standards.

Key to this framework are three areas of focus:

1. Policies and Codes of Conduct: Setting clear standards for preventing and addressing sexual misconduct.
2. Training: Mandatory training for health personnel, especially in crisis situations and victim support.
3. Incident Management: Safe reporting channels and swift investigations to support survivors and ensure accountability.

These measures aim to protect both communities and health workers during healthcare interventions.

The discussions in Pretoria also touched on how to make this framework work in real life. Countries shared their successes and challenges, paving the way for actionable principles that would improve safeguarding within health systems. This is crucial for a region that faces over 160 public health emergencies annually, where healthcare providers work in often vulnerable communities.

Alia El-Yassir, WHO’s Director for Gender, Rights, Equity, and Sexual Misconduct Prevention, emphasized the connection between gender equality, human rights, and preventing sexual misconduct. “When women are safe and respected, societies thrive,” she stated.

This initiative aligns with the broader context of global efforts to combat gender-based violence. As various organizations mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, this WHO effort serves as a crucial reminder that healthcare should be safe and free from discrimination.

Thanks to this leadership, WHO is developing a global model. Their goal is for every health service to carry accountability, ensuring communities trust the care they receive. By scaling this approach, WHO and member nations aim to restore trust, maintain dignity, and protect the communities they serve.

For more insights, you can check WHO’s official page.

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