On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Ministry of Health of Jujuy reiterated its commitment to addressing gender-based violence through various strategies and community engagement. The ministry emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen gender perspectives and improve tools for adequate care and rights protection.
According to officials, these actions are part of the Strategic Health Plan II, led by Minister Gustavo Bouhid and approved by Governor Carlos Sadir. The plan aims to make healthcare interventions more humane, accessible, and comprehensive across the province.
Between May and November, workshops on addressing violence were held both virtually and in person by the Provincial Directorate of Maternity, Childhood, and Adolescence. More than 2,000 participants—including local residents, health workers, educators, security personnel, municipal staff, and members of other institutions—received updated training.
In October, a face-to-face workshop under the “Care Network” project was conducted for primary healthcare teams in Alto Comedero. Representatives from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) participated in this session. The provincial health ministry works closely with PAHO on several initiatives such as promoting sexual and reproductive health both in San Salvador de Jujuy and throughout the province.
Monthly meetings focusing specifically on obstetric violence were also held this year with interdisciplinary teams at the Maternal and Child Hospital. These sessions centered on compliance with existing laws regarding respectful childbirth practices, humanized support, dignified treatment, and proper information for pregnant individuals and their families.
The “We Take Care Together” discussions were open to public participation via Zoom. These online forums helped identify situations of violence related to health conditions. In September’s virtual meeting dedicated to violence issues, participants shared experiences about fear, invisibility, complicity, and silence in order to challenge the notion that such problems are solely private matters.
Since 2024, in partnership with the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPA), the General Coordination of Health has been working on digitizing processes to improve responses to gender-based violence cases. The presence of MPA offices within public hospitals allows victims to file criminal complaints and provides investigators with access to medical records—enabling faster action while reducing re-victimization risks.
Collaborative activities with the Provincial Council for Women focus on training hospital teams across Jujuy as well as organizing public events aimed at increasing awareness about identifying violent situations.
Throughout 2024, a project called “Strengthening Networks for Comprehensive Attention and Shared Responsibility in Gender-Based Violence” promoted coordinated responses within healthcare services as well as security forces, education sectors, and municipalities.
Since late November 2022, Jujuy has had a Manual for Comprehensive Healthcare Response to Gender-Based Violence—the first province in Argentina to implement such guidelines. This clinical manual details strategies for recognizing incidents of gender-based violence within healthcare settings while ensuring appropriate response protocols are followed.
To mark this day of awareness-raising activities took place including a community walk under the slogan “For a Jujuy Free from Violence: Together Everything Is Possible.” The event started at CAPS Malvinas and CPV San Francisco de Álava before concluding at CIC Alberdi. Educational talks were also held at schools and neighborhood centers promoting reflection on prevention efforts.
While much attention was given to eliminating violence against women specifically, authorities stressed that public health services are prepared to address all forms of violence comprehensively. The initiative was organized by the Ministry of Health alongside San Salvador de Jujuy Municipality and various community organizations.
