Understanding and addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs and challenges of young refugee girls and women in Nigeria and Uganda

More people than ever are affected by emergencies due to conflicts and natural disasters. Young women and girls are particularly at risk for sexual violence and unsafe abortion, early and forced marriage, early and unintended childbearing, trafficking, and sexual exploitation. An estimated 35 million women and girls of reproductive age (15–49 years) living in humanitarian emergencies have urgent needs for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services. However, forced displacements and conflicts strain health systems and cause significant disruptions in access to these critical services.

The goal of this project is to generate and use evidence to improve the design and delivery of SRHR services among young girls and women in selected refugee camps in Uganda and Nigeria. This group is often underserved in relation to SRHR services and information. Compared to older women, they are less likely to be aware of or to have ever used a contraceptive method.

The project will adopt a multidisciplinary approach, using the ecological model in health promotion to define the challenges and practical solutions underlying adolescent SRHR in Nigeria and Uganda. Working hand-in-hand, the research and program implementing organizations will contribute to a better understanding of the needs for adolescent sexual and reproductive health services and rights, and improved sexual and reproductive health and rights services for internally displaced and refugee girls and young women. The project will also offer an opportunity to develop both site-specific and cross-site insights for understanding and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights among refugee young women and girls.