Sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian settings: a matter of life and death

Abstract

It is estimated that approximately 4.3 million sexually active persons worldwide will receive poor and/or limited access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services in their lifetime. Globally, approximately 200 million women and girls still endure female genital cutting, 33,000 child marriages occur daily, and a myriad of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) agenda gaps continue to remain unaddressed. These gaps are particularly pertinent for women and girls in humanitarian settings where SRH conditions including gender-based violence, unsafe abortions, and poor obstetric care are among the leading causes of female morbidity and mortality. Notably, the past decade has featured a record high number of forcibly displaced persons globally since World War II and has led to over 160 million persons requiring humanitarian aid globally, 32 million of whom are women and girls of reproductive age. Inadequate SRH service delivery continues to persist in humanitarian settings, with basic services insufficient or inaccessible, putting women and girls at higher risk for increased morbidity and mortality. This record number of displaced persons and the continued gaps that remain unaddressed pertaining to SRH in humanitarian settings require renewed urgency to create upstream solutions to this complex issue. This commentary discusses the gaps in the holistic management of SRH in humanitarian settings, explores why these gaps persist, and addresses the unique cultural, environmental, and political conditions which contribute to continued SRH service delivery inadequacies and increased morbidity and mortality for women and girls.

Perceptions and attitudes of Rohingya community stakeholders to pregnancy termination services: a qualitative study in camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

“…This study demonstrated the mixed and negative perceptions toward pregnancy termination services among key community members, which were especially informed by their religious beliefs. The connection between attitudes and religion reflected in other studies conducted in humanitarian settings and others where women are stigmatized due to perceived religious laws [ 48 , 49 ]. Specifically, imams who are highly respected in the Rohingya community considered pregnancy termination as largely unacceptable.…”

Unheard voices: Addressing sexual and reproductive health in Gaza's women

“…With a staggering 4.3 million sexually active persons worldwide receiving poor and/or limited access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in their lifetime, 2 one can easily conclude that the percentage of women not receiving appropriate care in war-torn areas such as Gaza is much higher. This editorial therefore addresses concerns regarding sexual and reproductive health of these women.…”

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and policy response on access to and utilization of reproductive, maternal, child and adolescent health services in Kenya, Uganda and Zambia

“…Numerous studies and reports have examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to and utilization of RMCAH services, including emergency obstetric and new-born care, finding widespread disruptions in Africa [ 5 , 6 , 11 ]. Many health facilities faced challenges including diversion of resources to the COVID-19 response compromising the provision of regular services, leading to reduced access to and utilization of essential care [ 5 , 11 , 12 ]. Several studies reported a decline in antenatal and postnatal care utilization during the pandemic with fear of infection, transportation difficulties, and restrictions on movement being among the major contributors to this decline [ 11 , 13 , 14 ].…”