Abstract
Background: The Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) is a series of crucial actions required to respond to reproductive health needs at the onset of every humanitarian crisis. Moreover, MISP is a coordinated priority activity to prevent and manage the consequences of sexual violence; prevent excess maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality; reduce HIV transmission; and plan for comprehensive RH services beginning in the early days and weeks of an emergency. During conflicts, natural disasters and public health emergencies, sexual and reproductive health needs are often overlooked. Women and girls may lose access to family planning services, exposing them to unintended pregnancy in dangerous conditions. Women and girls also become more vulnerable to sexual violence, exploitation and HIV infection. In this article we document the practices and factors associated with availability and implementation of services as measured by the MISP for reproductive health in the Eritrean refugee camp, Northwestern zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods: we conducted an institution based cross sectional study from October 07- 30, 2019 among female reproductive age groups (15-49yrs) who arrived and lived in the refugee camp from June 01 to October 07, 2019. A systematic random sampling method was applied to recruit 422 participants. We collected the data through face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Binary Logistic regression was applied to assess factors associated with MISP implementation. Results: About 38% of the refugees utilized Minimum Initial Service Package of reproductive health during their stay in the camp. Factors like age of 15–24 years [AOR = 0.38(95% CI,0.20-0.73)], being rural residents in home country [AOR =0 .53(95% CI,0.34-0.83], short time length of stay in the refugee camp [AOR = 0 .56(95% CI,0.33-0.95)] were negative predictors, while previous exposure to health information[ AOR = 2.24(95% CI1.44-3.48)] was a positive predictor of MISP services utilization among the refugees in the reproductive age. Conclusion: The MISP of reproductive health utilization in the refugee camp is relatively high . Previous information on reproductive health helped the refugees in utilizing the service, while a short stay in the refugee camp, being rural residents in their home country and being young age were barriers to utilization of MISP of RH. Strengthening and introducing sexual and reproductive health services for the youth during early crisis would prevent morbidity in refugees. Key words: MISP, RH, Eritrean Refugee camp, Ethiopia
Human rights and the sexual and reproductive health of women living with HIV - a literature review
