An estimated 68.5 million people worldwide were considered forcibly displaced as a result of conflict and persecution by the end of 2018--the highest number on record. Women and girls comprise half of this population.

In natural disasters, conflict-affected settings, and other humanitarian crises, the provision of safe food and drinking water, shelter, and emergency and basic medical care are top priorities, but reproductive health services are often overlooked. People in emergency settings often face sexual and gender-based violence and increased exposure to reproductive health threats. As with other services such as education and housing, the interruption of reproductive health, family planning, HIV, and related services due to a humanitarian emergency can have long-term negative effects.

Providing Reproductive Health Services in Humanitarian Settings

Fortunately, emergency workers, health care providers, and others involved in disaster relief and emergency management now have access to a growing body of tools and guidance for providing reproductive health, family planning, maternal and child health, and other related services, including the prevention and treatment of HIV and other STIs as well as gender-based violence. This Toolkit provides both general service delivery resources and information tailored to the needs of specific populations such as youth and people living with HIV. The Toolkit also offers a collection of resources for incorporating gender considerations into emergency health systems, service delivery practices, the development of shelters, and more. Finally, the Toolkit contains links to key humanitarian organizations with expertise in reproductive health in emergencies and related issues.