Open AccessEnhancing the use of emergency contraception in a refugee setting: Findings from a baseline survey in Kakuma refugee camps, Kenya
Author(s) -
Esther Muia,
Joyce Olenja
Publication year - 2000
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.31899/rh2000.1038
Subject(s) - refugee , kenya , reproductive health , population , government (linguistics) , medicine , political science , commission , emergency contraception , family planning , economic growth , nursing , environmental health , research methodology , linguistics , philosophy , law , economics
In August 1992, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) at the request of the United Nations, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, and the Kenyan Government, initiated a primary health care program in the Kakuma Refugee Camp. Since then, the population of the camp has continued to grow, and activities have moved from a crisis to a maintenance phase. In January 1997, IRC assumed the additional responsibility of the camp hospital, bringing the entire health sector under their management. IRC's programs focus on maintaining and improving public health and promoting self-reliance, particularly of the most vulnerable communities. This project focuses on emergency contraception as an aspect of the reproductive health (RH) needs of refugee women and men of reproductive age. The project will especially target the large adolescent community currently resident in the camp. The objective is to contribute to the improved quality of RH services for refugees and the local Turkana population in Kakuma through operations research on the introduction of emergency contraception. This report presents findings from the baseline survey.