SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEEDS OF REFUGEES: EXAMINING ACCESS, UTILIZATION AND INTERVENTION STRATEGIES

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a critical component of public health, particularly for refugee populations who experience heightened vulnerabilities due to forced displacement, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, cultural barriers, and restrictive host-country policies. This review examines the complex barriers affecting refugees’ access to SRH services, categorizing them into structural and logistical constraints, socio-cultural determinants, and economic and policy-related challenges. The findings reveal significant gaps in family planning and contraceptive utilization, often influenced by misinformation, partner opposition, and limited contraceptive availability. Additionally, the review evaluates the role of humanitarian interventions, including the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) and community-based SRH programs, in addressing both immediate and long-term healthcare needs. Case studies of successful interventions, such as refugee-led family planning initiatives in Guinea and integrated SRH service models in Bangladesh and Lebanon, demonstrate the efficacy of community engagement, policy reform, and improved coordination among stakeholders in enhancing SRH outcomes. The review underscores the urgent need for sustainable healthcare solutions, advocating for the integration of refugees into national healthcare systems, expansion of culturally sensitive SRH education, and strengthened humanitarian-development coordination. A multi-sectoral and rights-based approach is imperative to ensure equitable access to SRH services for displaced populations, ultimately improving health outcomes and gender equity in refugee settings.