Reproductive Health in Post-Emergency Refugee Camps

Linnea Zimmerman, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Catherine Packer, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Courtland Robinson, Johns Hopkins University

Although 80% of refugees are women and children, reproductive health of displaced women is often overlooked. We analyzed reproductive health data from 74 camps in 12 countries compiled in the UNHCR Health Information System for 2008-2009. We calculated annualized IMR, MMR, CBR, ANC, and safe delivery coverage. Overall, the majority of camps are achieving UN standards, particularly IMR standards, LBW rates, and key delivery indicators. C-section standards were met by fewer than one-third of camps. Trends in mortality lead us to question the accuracy of some of the data. Several camps and countries recorded implausibly low rates for IMR; MMRs fluctuate widely and are consistently lower in camps than in host and origin countries. While these data may be correct, we recommend that validation studies are needed. In the meantime,, we tend to agree with the perspective that health service usage indicators may be more reliable measures of maternal risk.