Emergency Contraception for Conflict-Affected Settings: A Reproductive Health Response in Conflict Consortium Distance Learning Module has been developed to meet the need for increased awareness and knowledge about emergency contraception (EC) among health service providers working with refugee and internally displaced populations (IDPs).1 A distance learning method helps to increase access to information about EC, promotes flexibility, assures quality information, empowers learners and is cost-effective.2 Based on such advantages, the Reproductive Health Response in Conflict (RHRC) Consortium chose this method to provide practical information on EC to local projects in developing countries. The RHRC Consortium is working to mainstream EC by increasing awareness and knowledge and improving access to and demand for EC in appropriate program locations.

This fact sheet was made to highlight refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), many factors contribute to unplanned and unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions and related health risks among women and girls. It includes a short case study on unsafe abortion in Uganda.

The Reproductive Health Response in Conflict Consortium — along with conference co-hosts, UNFPA and UNHCR, and conference collaborating partner, International Centre for Reproductive Health at Ghent University — are pleased to present this book of abstracts outlining the content of papers presented at Conference 2003: Reproductive Health from Disaster to Development.  These abstracts present an overview of successful practice at both the field and policy levels. We hope that this conference’s focus on applied research, program findings and use of data will contribute to improved reproductive health services for populations affected by armed conflict around the world, including those in regions making the transition from war to peace and stability.

This fact sheet focuses on the health risks experienced by all women and girls in pregnancy and childbirth are compounded for refugees and IDPs by the general risks that characterize these settings.  Immediate causes of death include delays in reaching treatment due to lack of availability and access to treatment, and lack of equipment, supplies, and trained and supported staff at health facilities. It tries to convey how imperative it is that EmOC is recognized as a crucial, lifesaving intervention to which all women and girls affected by crises are entitled.

This How To Guide describes the process used to review and strengthen safe motherhood services in the refugee camps in Kigoma and Ngara, Tanzania. Information is provided about safe motherhood in refugee settings, the activities undertaken during the review process and the key people involved in the activities. The main findings of the review process are also presented, together with the conclusions and recommendations for strengthening safe motherhood services in the refugee camps in Kigoma and Ngara.

The Reproductive Health Response in Conflict Consortium Conference 2003: Reproductive Health From Disaster to Development provided an opportunity for sharing research, model programs, innovative strategies and practical tools and guidelines among a wide range of participants representing governmental and nongovernmental agencies, academic institutions, foundations and policy-making bodies from numerous countries. The conference also highlighted the importance of using research as an advocacy tool to positively impact reproductive health program funding and development and advance the cause of reproductive health for conflict-affected populations.

Emergency obstetric care covers a wide range of health concerns:  adequate supplies of drugs and equipment, staff trained in identifying symptoms of emergency obstetrical conditions and initiating appropriate referrals, as well as staff who are able to offer counseling services.

The Reproductive Health for Refugees Consortium’s Research Conference 2000: Findings on Reproductive Health of Refugees and Displaced Populations was convened as a forum for service providers, researchers, policy makers and donors to share program findings garnered over the last several years. These data must now be used to improve ongoing programs and initiate new ones. Increasing coverage of comprehensive reproductive health services is critical. Agencies questioning the need for reproductive health services can consult the findings presented concerning the heightened risk of refugees* for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, and sexual and gender-based violence, their poor pregnancy outcomes, and their expressed desire for reproductive health services. Projects should be carefully planned, adapting interventions that have proven to work elsewhere. When new interventions are tested, planners must ensure that there is a strong evidence-based likelihood of success. The following three needs are especially crucial to the ability of a war-impacted society to rebuild and flourish: 1) address the reproductive health needs of adolescents specifically; 2) stop HIV transmission; and 3) embark on a multi-sectoral offensive against sexual and gender-based violence.

As a consortium of organizations dedicated to the promotion of health among all persons affected by crisis, we applaud relief efforts to provide water, sanitation, food and medicines in Haiti. We also call on humanitarian actors to provide lifesaving reproductive health services for women displaced by the earthquake.As a consortium of organizations dedicated to the promotion of health among all persons affected by crisis, we applaud relief efforts to provide water, sanitation, food and medicines in Haiti. We also call on humanitarian actors to provide lifesaving reproductive health services for women displaced by the earthquake.