On September 25, the event of delivery of the 2024 awards organized by the United Nations Inter-Agency Working Group for Disease Prevention and Control. In this edition, the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs has been awarded, within the framework of the sessions of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, with a international award for exceptional contribution in the field of Non-Communicable Diseases and mental healthspecifically for leading the pioneering project ‘Health centers committed against gender violence’.
These awards recognize multi-sectoral efforts and achievements in the prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), improving mental health and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the project developed in the health centers of Andalusia that has been recognized represents the first initiative that the UN recognizes Spain since the annual awards program began in 2018.
The project, which has been progressively implemented since 2019 in all health centers in Andalusia, recognizes and accredits those centers that implement screening, assistance, referral and support systems for people and families who suffer gender violence. Designed, led and coordinated by the General Directorate of Public Health and Pharmaceutical Regulation of the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs, it is an unprecedented program on the Spanish and European stage. Furthermore, it is specifically aligned with SDG 3 and SDG 5, contributing to the physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health of the affected population. The initiative addresses health care needs, encourages changes cultural and structural within the health system andultimately, contributes to the improvement of mental health and well-being of women and children who suffers gender violence.
Among the main initiatives undertaken within the framework of this action is a accreditation system for health centers committed to combating gender violence. As a result, they have already been accredited 47 centers and health management areaswhich means that the project is reaching, through more than 1,500 health centers and 18 hospitals, more than 90% of the Andalusian populationpromoting the incorporation of quality guidelines and protocols in various health settings such as primary care, mental health and emergency services, among others.
There has also been implemented a Comprehensive training program for awareness, detection and intervention on gender violence by professionals. Last year, more than 8,300 healthcare workers completed their training from this platform. Likewise, the formation of a multidisciplinary commission that addresses gender violence in each specific center, and the integration into the electronic medical record of a section dedicated to addressing this type of violence, have been incorporated as specific objectives.
On the other hand, the collaboration with key actors such as the courts, the prosecutor’s office, the police, the Universities, and the Ministry competent in matters of Equality has been crucial. This coordination led to the creation of a comprehensive guide and a action protocolalong with essential legal forms. Thus, the judicial forms related to gender violence have increased by more than 30% and efforts are being made to continue improving the project with the incorporation of private health centers, university schools of Health Sciences (for example, the University of Granada) and other types of institutions, such as addiction care centers.
Regarding the communication and dissemination of this action, the site has been implemented website Hearts without fear as a central repository of all information, documents, protocols, resources and communication campaigns related to gender violence. Furthermore, there has been developed a free mobile appcalled ACTwhich has made it even easier to access essential resources that support healthcare workers. Likewise, several editions of conferences have been held specifically aimed at senior management levels.
The project ‘Health centers committed against gender violence’ requested an external evaluation in 2022 by the Andalusian Institute of Public Administration. The conclusions highlighted their positive leadership by mobilizing resources, strengthening knowledge and experience, facilitating professional collaboration and favoring the creation of commissions, with the purpose of increasing the awareness and support about gender violence.