ENA and Ensign Global University hold seminar on human trafficking awareness

Engage Now Africa (ENA), in collaboration with Ensign Global University, has organised a seminar on human trafficking, bringing together medical professionals, gender advocates, and doctors to discuss strategies for prevention and eradication.

The seminar, held on 28th February 2025, saw a total of 57 participants, with 37 attending in person and 21 joining online. The event aimed to educate healthcare professionals on human trafficking and exploitation, equipping them with the necessary skills to identify warning signs and support victims.

The Role of Healthcare Workers in Combating Human Trafficking
A key highlight of the seminar was the crucial role of public health professionals in tackling human trafficking. Healthcare workers are often the first point of contact for victims, making their ability to detect, support, and refer cases essential in the fight against human trafficking.

Recognising this, ENA emphasised the need for strong partnerships between medical professionals and anti-human trafficking organisations. The organisation stressed the importance of raising awareness within the health sector and collaborating with survivor-led initiatives to enhance victim support services.

The Trafficking in Persons Protocol defines human trafficking as a criminal offence and mandates rights for victims. Article 6, (3) (c) of the Protocol requires States Parties to support the physical, psychological, and social recovery of victims through cooperation with NGOs and civil society.

The programme was hosted by Dr Sandra Boatemaa Kushitor from Ensign Global University’s Department of Community Health and Mr Afasi Komla, Director of Engage Now Africa. Their discussions provided critical insights into the realities of human trafficking, the latest trends, and effective intervention strategies.

An interactive Q&A session allowed participants to engage with experts on the complexities of human trafficking, leading to thought-provoking discussions. Many public health professionals described the seminar as an eye-opener, acknowledging the need for increased collaboration between healthcare workers and anti-trafficking organisations.

ENA expressed appreciation for the insightful contributions of Madam Zoi Sakelliadou from the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Office of the United Nations, Dr Stephen Manortey, and Dr Alberta Agudey from Ensign Global University’s Faculty and Academic Registry.

The seminar shed light on emerging trends in human trafficking and reinforced the need for multisectoral cooperation in eradicating the menace.