Engage Now Africa (ENA), in partnership with Ensign Global University, organized a seminar on human trafficking on February 28, 2025. The event brought together 57 participants, including medical professionals, gender advocates, and doctors. Thirty-seven attendees participated in person, while 21 joined online.
The seminar aimed to educate participants on human trafficking and exploitation, enabling them to identify warning signs and explore prevention and eradication strategies. A key focus was the role of public health professionals in combating human trafficking. By the end of the seminar, participants gained a deeper understanding of their role in identifying and supporting victims.
The program 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. The interactive Q&A session sparked insightful discussions, and many public health professionals described the seminar as an eye-opener.
The Importance of Public Health Experts in Combating Human Trafficking
Healthcare workers play a vital role in identifying and preventing trafficking, as they are often the first point of contact for victims. As an anti-human trafficking organization, ENA recognizes the importance of engaging healthcare professionals in raising awareness and collaborating with survivor-led organizations.
The Trafficking in Persons Protocol defines human trafficking as a criminal offense and mandates rights for victims. Article 6, (3) (c) obliges States Parties to support the physical, psychological, and social recovery of trafficking victims through cooperation with NGOs and civil society.
The seminar successfully highlighted emerging trends in human trafficking and explored comprehensive strategies for its eradication. ENA acknowledges 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.
