Coping with Crises

How providers can meet reproductive health needs in crisis situations

Reproductive health care needs in crisis situations should not be neglected. A tsunami survivor and her newborn receive care in a tent in Aceh, Indonesia. (Photo Credit: CCP, Courtesy of Photoshare)

KEY POINTS

Around the world, conflicts and natural disasters challenge health care providers to meet people's basic needs, including reproductive health care, under the most difficult conditions. What can local health care providers do when crisis strikes?

Know what to do. The materials that guide international humanitarian relief providers—particularly the Inter-Agency Field Manual and its Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP)— can inform local providers of the reproductive health care needs of refugees. Kits of supplies that are part of the MISP can be ordered. Disaster preparedness training courses can help providers and government officials respond effectively when crises occur.

Plan ahead. Make emergency preparedness plans that consider staffing, logistics, supplies, infrastructure, establishing relationships with news media, and coordination with other organizations. Plan for contingencies.

Offer care immediately if a crisis occurs. Coordination is desirable but takes time, while health needs are urgent and great.

Collaborate with international relief agencies as soon as possible to help provide sustained, integrated emergency care.Offer whatever skills, services, and knowledge you have.

Coordinate with other relief and health care organizations for efficiency and speed. One organization or person should serve as the focal point for reproductive health care.

Focus on refugees not living in camps. Refugees dispersed among the host communities need as much help as refugees in camps, and local organizations may be able to serve them better than relief agencies can.

Seek help from the survivors. Some refugees may be health care professionals themselves. Often, they can contribute their skills to care for others.

Work toward recovery. When the international relief workers leave, local health care organizations and providers take back the full responsibility for serving people’s needs. With adequate support, capable health care services with a strong reproductive health care component can speed the transition from relief to recovery.

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