Working closely with the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs (BMOWA), Borno State Ministry of Health (SMOH), and NCA, eHA successfully established and furnished a state of the art state-level GBV case management call center in Maiduguri, Borno State

Solving the need for a toll-free line (08001010111) and the internet requirement for the proper functioning of the center, a server room was professionally set up to meet these demands of voice call services and internet connection. Fitted with these facilities, clients do not require call credits on their phones to connect to the center for any form of GBV related support or referral. More so, for efficient, available, and reliable power supply, the center power system was upgraded, and a Solar Inverter system was installed. The upgraded system provides a 24x7 power supply to ensure a 24-hour service at the center.

eHA conducted and facilitated a one-week capacity-building training on the management and operations of the call center for 12 state call agents. The training covered didactic instructions, practical and handholding sessions. At the end of the capacity-building session, there was a significant increase (50%) in the knowledge of participants.

Due to limited human resources and curfew in Maiduguri,  the call center is currently being operated from 8 am-5 pm daily during weekdays. The establishment of the center has undoubtedly widened the coverage of GBV case management services across Borno State, as clients/survivors can dial into the center from any location within the state, to seek support as regards GBV related issues. It has also contributed to reduced security and Covid-19 risk for humanitarian aid workers implementing GBV case management interventions, as this can be effectively and efficiently conducted remotely without any physical presence in deep field locations.

• Work closely with the Ministries of Women Affairs and Health, to secure suitable office space for the setup of the call center

• Establish state-level functional call center (toll-free infrastructure) to link referral/one-stop centers to strengthening GBV case management, caring for child survivors, GBV survivors, and other vulnerable individuals

• Build the capacity of government personnel, on the management and operations of the call center