DISPLACEMENTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR SEXUALAND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Dr. Anne A. Khasakhala,
Population Studies and Research Institute, University ofNairobi
Presented at the Launch of the State of the World PopulationReport, 2015
University of NairobiISO 9001:2008 Certified http://www.uonbi.ac.ke
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It estimated that 26 million women and girls ofreproductive age ae among those displaced by conflictor have bee uprooted by disaster.
Their SRH needs must be a priority.
This presentation looks at the major SRH consequencesencountered in humanitarian situation both globally andin Kenya
Introduction
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Magnitude of Displacements in Kenya(IDPs,Refugees, Asylum seekers)
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Status of Displaced
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Major Sexual and ReproductiveHealth consequences ofdisplacements
Sexual exploitation and abuse as a tool or means to accessbasic services or asylum related processes
Lack of access to basic health services due to breakdownof health system in country of origin and especially safemotherhood services hence a high risk of maternal andneonatal mortality
Increased acts of Sexual and Gender Based Violence andsometimes used as a weapon of war or as an opportunistictendency to vulnerable persons mainly women and girls.
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Major Sexual and ReproductiveHealth consequences ofdisplacements
Increased incidents of early marriage as a culturalpractice and coping mechanism
Extended ethnic conflict in the country of asylum, usuallyprecipitated by inter-ethnic sexual relationships, sexualviolence and marriages
Increased population within the camp further strainsalready stretched resources in provision of safemotherhood and neonatal health compromising onquality of services being offered
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Minimum Initial Service Package(MISP)
Interagency Working Group (IAWG) on Reproductive Healthin Crises, developed a set of priority practices for health careprofessionals called the Minimum Initial Service Package(MISP) for Reproductive Health in Crisis Situations designedto:
prevent and respond to sexual violence;
prevent excess maternal and newborn mortality andmorbidity;
reduce HIV transmission; and,
plan for comprehensive RH services in a coordinatedmanner.
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Importance of MISP
When implemented from the onset of a crisis, theMISP saves lives and prevents illness, especiallyamong women and girls.
Prevents unnecessary maternal and newborninfections and deaths
Prevent sexual violence and provide assistance tosurvivors by ensuring protection, medical services andpsychosocial support.
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Prevent the transmission of HIV by providingguidance on standard precautions, such as makingfree condoms readily available and ensuring blood fortransfusion is safe.
Importance of MISP
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Inadequate documentation of the numbers affected andservices provided
poor commodity management and security,
limited availability of comprehensive abortion care, and
lack of community mobilization to increase reproductivehealth service uptake
Challenges
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Commitment by interagency working group (IWG) tomonitor and ensure provision of SRH services
Conducive legislative environment
Commitment by National government
Opportunities
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While Remarkable progress has been achieved inaddressing SRH of women and girls in humanitariansituations, the growth in need has outstripped thegrowth in funding and services.
Conclusion
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