Reproductive Health and Sexual Health Management in Disasters

Abstract

Disasters are defined as multidimensional, protracted, and complex humanitarian crises that not only cause physical destruction but also profoundly shake the existing health infrastructures of societies. Such emergencies have a disproportionate physical, psychological, and social impact, particularly on socially vulnerable groups such as women, children, older persons, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities. Lack of uninterrupted and safe access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in times of disaster causes these groups to become even more vulnerable in terms of health. The disruption of these services, which are often not sufficiently prioritized in disaster response plans, results in an increase in cases of sexual violence, a rise in unwanted and unplanned pregnancies, births that occur without adequate care, and paves the way for the rapid spread of sexually transmitted and other infectious diseases. For all these reasons, integrating SRH services in a holistic, coordinated, accessible, and sustainable manner into disaster response and preparedness processes should be considered a vital priority. This study examines why SRH services play a critical role in the context of disaster management through conceptual frameworks, national and international policies, and field practices. In particular, the importance of timely implementation of the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) protocol is highlighted, and successful examples of implementation in countries such as Nepal, Haiti, Bangladesh, and Turkey are discussed. In the case of Turkey, shortcomings in gender-sensitive approaches to disaster planning are addressed, and various policy recommendations—especially the integration of MISP into the national health system—are included.