In March 2014, the Tanzania Police Force conducted a series of three day harm reduction training programs for Gender Desks Police Officers in the Dar es Salaam special zone. The Dar es Salaam special zone has three regional zones: Ilala, Kinondoni and Temeke; the Ilala zone was the first to receive the training, sponsored by Medicine du Monde, followed by Kinondoni. Harm reduction training co-ordinator for Medicine du Monde, Damali Lucas facilitated the training with the support of LEAHN Country Focal Point, Inspector Abdallah Said Kirungu.
Gender Desks were established in Tanzania at the end of 2013 to address gender-based violence. Increased risk of HIV infection has been attributed to gender-based violence, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where approximately two thirds of the world’s adult population living with HIV are located. The specialised units are staffed by policewomen (a small number are men) specially trained to deal with reports of violence and sexual abuse of women and children, but also issues in the community involving drug use and minor crimes. The officers work in a separate section of a police station where discussions about sensitive issues can take place in confidence. Working at the grassroots level, the officers are confronted regularly with complex social issues. Former drug users addressed the police participants about impediments they had faced in dealing with their drug use, particularly from law enforcers. The police officers acknowledged they generally perceived drug users as criminals but that the training made them aware of more effective ways to respond to the issue.
The three day programs were designed to address a range of complex issues police face in their daily work in a supportive training environment. The program highlighted how addiction, marginalisation and vulnerability impact on HIV risk, as well as the effect of law and policing on health seeking behaviour and victims’ willingness to report violence.
As a result of the training, the officers expressed greater confidence in dealing with drug-related issues in their communities in the future.
Read more about Gender Desk Police Officers in Tanzania