NOA and ICRC launch Gunshot Victims Awareness Campaign to educate Nigerians on immediate medical care for gunshot victims

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have partnered to launch a nationwide sensitisation campaign on the compulsory treatment of gunshot victims in Nigeria.

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The collaboration was formalised during a meeting at the NOA Headquarters in Abuja, with NOA Director of Social Mobilisation, Ayoola Olufemi, representing Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu.

The initiative seeks to educate the public on the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, signed into law in 2017.

“Delays in providing medical treatment to gunshot victims often result in preventable loss of lives. Many Nigerians are unaware that hospitals are required by law to provide immediate care before demanding police reports, administrative documentation, or financial guarantees,” Olufemi said.

Highlighting NOA’s capacity, Olufemi noted the agency’s presence in 818 offices nationwide, positioning it to effectively lead the awareness campaign and ensure citizens understand their rights under the law.

James Matthew, Deputy Head of ICRC in Nigeria, praised the partnership and stressed the urgency of educating healthcare providers, communities, and citizens on the law.

“Through NOA’s broad national reach, the ICRC will help ensure gunshot victims receive timely medical care. Improved awareness will save lives, particularly in emergencies,” Matthew said.

The signing ceremony included key NOA officials such as Dr. Ayoola Olufemi, Director of Health and Social Care; Dogo Williams, Director of Legal; and Meriam Yakubu, alongside members of the ICRC delegation, including Humanitarian Affairs Adviser Juliet Kelechi Unudi.

Representatives from the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, News Agency of Nigeria, Armed Forces Radio, Science Newspaper, and Daily Trust were also present.

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The campaign aims to raise nationwide awareness of the law, encourage prompt medical intervention, and ultimately save lives across Nigeria.