Title : Localizing SRHR in humanitarian crises: Lessons from African-led practice in chad and the central African republic
Abstract:
Background: Across Africa, humanitarian crises and climate shocks continue to destabilize fragile health systems, leaving millions without sustained access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services. Displaced women and adolescent girls are especially at risk of maternal mortality, gender-based violence, and unmet family-planning needs. The African Initiatives for Relief and Development (AIRD), an African-founded humanitarian organization operating in 12 countries, integrates SRHR within wider public health, WASH, and protection programs. This abstract presents field evidence from Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR) on how localized, community-led approaches can sustain SRHR delivery and resilience during emergencies.
Methods: Between 2022 and 2024, AIRD implemented SRHR components within humanitarian programs supported by UNHCR, USAID/BHA, and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Mixed methods combined routine monitoring data, focus-group discussions, and community feedback mechanisms involving displaced women, youth, and local health workers. Key interventions included SRHR-WASH integration, participatory referral systems for GBV survivors, and co-design of outreach campaigns with refugee and host-community representatives.
Results: Integrating SRHR into existing humanitarian structures improved continuity of antenatal and post-natal care, raised contraceptive uptake among young women, and increased reporting and referral for GBV survivors. Community health committees enhanced trust and reduced stigma around reproductive health services. Women’s groups and peer educators played a central role in mobilizing awareness, strengthening ownership, and bridging communication gaps between humanitarian actors and local clinics.
Conclusion: Locally led SRHR integration enhances both service access and community resilience, positioning African organizations as critical partners in achieving universal public health coverage in fragile settings.
Policy Recommendations:
1. Prioritize African-led, community-based organizations in SRHR humanitarian funding.
2. Institutionalize SRHR-WASH and protection linkages in emergency health frameworks.
3. Support participatory accountability systems that connect humanitarian programs to national health policies.
Key words: SRHR, Humanitarian Health, Localization, Gender Equity, Resilience.
