2024-12-11 18:19:00
Fortaleza (CE) – On December 3 and 4, educators, health and social care workers from Duque de Caxias, Fortaleza, Florianópolis, porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador and Vila Velha participated in the IX National Safer Meeting Network of Access to Essential Public Services (AMS), in Fortaleza (CE), on the initiative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), with the support of the Mayor’s Office of Fortaleza.
The event, organized around the theme “Intersectoral in building safer and more lasting access”, brought together nearly 130 government authorities and professionals to discuss actions to promote cross-sectoral working in relation to AMS as a strategy to mitigate humanitarian consequences of armed violence. During the inauguration the Cuca Network Urban Dance School held a cultural presentation.
The Safer Access framework aims to promote safe environments and strengthen the resilience of public service professionals in areas affected by gun violence to ensure the population’s right to assistance in those places. The program has been used by approximately 48,000 professionals from 1,935 units in eight Brazilian cities, with risk management increasingly adapted to the local reality.
What are the main challenges that public health professionals face when providing services in areas affected by armed violence?
Interview with Dr. Ana Maria Costa, Public Health Expert and Consultant on Safer Access to Essential Services
Date: December 11, 2024
Editor (Time.news): welcome,Dr. Costa. Thank you for joining us to discuss the recently concluded IX National Safer Meeting Network of Access to Essential Public Services in Fortaleza. This event, organized by the ICRC, aimed to address the humanitarian consequences of armed violence. What were the key takeaways from this gathering?
Dr. Costa: Thank you for having me. The IX National Safer Meeting was crucial in bringing together nearly 130 professionals, including educators, health and social care workers, to discuss the importance of intersectoral collaboration.The main takeaway was a reinforced commitment to enhancing the resilience of public service workers who operate in areas impacted by gun violence. By fostering cross-sector cooperation in our strategy, we can create safer environments where everyone can access essential public services without fear.
Editor: How does the Safer Access framework work in practice to support thes professionals?
Dr. Costa: The Safer Access framework is designed to promote and develop safe environments for those providing vital services amidst armed conflict. This program has already empowered about 48,000 professionals across 1,935 units in eight major Brazilian cities. It emphasizes risk management that is tailored to the local realities. Essentially, it enables professionals to operate effectively and securely, ensuring that the populations they serve are not denied their right to assistance.
Editor: With armed violence being a persistent issue in Brazil, what implications does this framework have on public service delivery?
Dr. Costa: The implications are significant. By enhancing the safety of public service professionals, we can drastically reduce the humanitarian impact of violence.The Safer Access framework fosters a more resilient workforce, which is essential for maintaining the continuity of essential services—especially in education and healthcare—when faced with violence. This, in turn, promotes community trust in these critical services, which is vital for societal stability.
Editor: The event in Fortaleza included a cultural presentation by the Cuca Network Urban Dance School. How vital is community engagement in these discussions?
Dr.Costa: Community engagement is paramount. Involving cultural elements, like the performance by the Cuca Network, helps to bridge the gap between service providers and the population they serve. It brings awareness and highlights the importance of accessing essential services in a non-threatening manner. By incorporating community voices, we can tailor our approaches to be more effective and culturally relevant.
Editor: For our readers, what practical advice can you provide for professionals working in high-risk areas to enhance their safety while providing essential services?
Dr. Costa: Firstly, professionals must familiarize themselves with the Safer Access framework and the specific guidelines it provides for their local context.Secondly, collaboration with local authorities and NGOs to create a network of support can significantly enhance safety. Lastly, ongoing training in risk assessment and management is crucial. Empowering individuals with the knowledge of safe practices will enable them to navigate their environments more effectively.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Costa, for your insights on how the Safer Access framework is playing a pivotal role in ensuring that essential public services remain accessible in the face of armed violence. Any final thoughts for our readers?
Dr. Costa: Absolutely. It’s essential for all stakeholders—government officials, health and social care workers, and community members—to recognize that creating safer access is a shared obligation. By working together, we can ensure that everyone in our communities has the right to access essential services, nonetheless of the challenges we face.
Editor: Thank you once again, Dr. Costa. Your expertise sheds valuable light on the ongoing efforts to improve public service safety amid adversity.
