The National Orientation Agency (NOA) of Nigeria has joined forces with the International Committee of the Red Cross to initiate a nationwide sensitisation campaign aimed at ensuring that gunshot victims receive immediate medical treatment. This partnership was solidified during a meeting at the NOA Headquarters in Abuja. NOA's Director of Social Mobilisation, Ayoola Olufemi, represented the Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness regarding the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, which was signed into law in 2017.

During the campaign launch, Olufemi pointed out the critical delays that can lead to preventable deaths among gunshot victims due to a lack of immediate medical care. Many Nigerians are still unaware that hospitals are legally obligated to provide treatment to gunshot victims without requiring police reports or any form of documentation before rendering aid. This lack of awareness potentially contributes to the high mortality rates of gunshot victims in the country, pointing to a pressing need for better public education and adherence to the law.

With a vast network of 818 offices across Nigeria, the NOA is well-placed to disseminate information about the law and its implications. The campaign's goal is to educate the public and healthcare providers about the law's provisions and foster a culture of readiness to treat gunshot victims without delay. This initiative not only seeks to save lives but also to enhance the overall responsiveness of Nigeria’s healthcare system in serious emergencies involving gunshot victims.