Preparing for and responding to sexual and reproductive health in disaster settings: evidence from Fiji and Tonga

Beek, K; Drysdale, R; Kusen, M; Dawson, A

Preparing for and responding to sexual and reproductive health in disaster settings: evidence from Fiji and Tonga

Beek, K Drysdale, R Kusen, M Dawson, A

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Publisher:: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Reproductive Health, 2021, 18, (1)
Issue Date:: 2021-12

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Beek, K
dc.contributor.author	Drysdale, R
dc.contributor.author	Kusen, M
dc.contributor.author	Dawson, A https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0926-2202
dc.date.accessioned	2021-09-23T22:44:58Z
dc.date.available	2021-09-23T22:44:58Z
dc.date.issued	2021-12
dc.identifier.citation	Reproductive Health, 2021, 18, (1)
dc.identifier.issn	1742-4755
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/150674
dc.description.abstract	<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec> <jats:title>Background</jats:title> <jats:p>Pacific Island countries are vulnerable to disasters, including cyclones and earthquakes. Disaster preparedness is key to a well-coordinated response to preventing sexual violence and assisting survivors, reducing the transmission of HIV and other STIs, and preventing excess maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to identify the capacity development activities undertaken as part of the SPRINT program in Fiji and Tonga and how these enabled the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) response to Tropical Cyclones Winston and Gita.</jats:p> </jats:sec><jats:sec> <jats:title>Methods</jats:title> <jats:p>This descriptive qualitative study was informed by a framework designed to assess public health emergency response capacity across various levels (systems, organisational, and individual) and two phases of the disaster management cycle (preparedness and response). Eight key informants were recruited purposively to include diverse individuals from relevant organisations and interviewed by telephone, Zoom, Skype and email. Template analysis was used to examine the data.</jats:p> </jats:sec><jats:sec> <jats:title>Findings</jats:title> <jats:p>Differences in the country contexts were highlighted. The existing program of training in Tonga, investment from the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) Humanitarian Hub, the status of the Tonga Family Health Association as the key player in the delivery of SRH, together with its long experience of delivering contract work in short time-frames and strong relationship with the Ministry of Health (MoH) facilitated a relatively smooth and rapid response. In contrast, there had been limited capacity development work in Fiji prior to Winston, requiring training to be rapidly delivered during the immediate response to the cyclone with the support of surge staff from IPPF. In Fiji, the response was initially hampered by a lack of clarity concerning stakeholder roles and coordination, but linkages were quickly built to enable a response. Participants highlighted the importance of personal relationships, individuals’ and organisations' motivation to respond, and strong rapport with the community to deliver SRH.</jats:p> </jats:sec><jats:sec> <jats:title>Discussion</jats:title> <jats:p>This study highlights the need for comprehensive activities at multiple levels within a country and across the Pacific region to build capacity for a SRH response. While the SPRINT initiative has been implemented across several regions to improve organisational and national capacity preparedness, training for communities can be strengthened. This research outlines the importance of formalising partnerships and regular meetings and training to ensure the currency of coordination efforts in readiness for activation. However, work is needed to further institutionalise SRH in emergencies in national policy and accountability mechanisms.</jats:p> </jats:sec>
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	Springer Science and Business Media LLC
dc.relation	International Planned Parenthood Federation
dc.relation.ispartof	Reproductive Health
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1186/s12978-021-01236-2
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject	1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
dc.subject.classification	Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
dc.title	Preparing for and responding to sexual and reproductive health in disaster settings: evidence from Fiji and Tonga
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	18
utslib.for	1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - WHO CC
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.date.updated	2021-09-23T22:44:57Z
pubs.issue	1
pubs.publication-status	Published online
pubs.volume	18
utslib.citation.issue	1

Abstract:

Abstract Background Pacific Island countries are vulnerable to disasters, including cyclones and earthquakes. Disaster preparedness is key to a well-coordinated response to preventing sexual violence and assisting survivors, reducing the transmission of HIV and other STIs, and preventing excess maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to identify the capacity development activities undertaken as part of the SPRINT program in Fiji and Tonga and how these enabled the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) response to Tropical Cyclones Winston and Gita. Methods This descriptive qualitative study was informed by a framework designed to assess public health emergency response capacity across various levels (systems, organisational, and individual) and two phases of the disaster management cycle (preparedness and response). Eight key informants were recruited purposively to include diverse individuals from relevant organisations and interviewed by telephone, Zoom, Skype and email. Template analysis was used to examine the data. Findings Differences in the country contexts were highlighted. The existing program of training in Tonga, investment from the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) Humanitarian Hub, the status of the Tonga Family Health Association as the key player in the delivery of SRH, together with its long experience of delivering contract work in short time-frames and strong relationship with the Ministry of Health (MoH) facilitated a relatively smooth and rapid response. In contrast, there had been limited capacity development work in Fiji prior to Winston, requiring training to be rapidly delivered during the immediate response to the cyclone with the support of surge staff from IPPF. In Fiji, the response was initially hampered by a lack of clarity concerning stakeholder roles and coordination, but linkages were quickly built to enable a response. Participants highlighted the importance of personal relationships, individuals’ and organisations' motivation to respond, and strong rapport with the community to deliver SRH. Discussion This study highlights the need for comprehensive activities at multiple levels within a country and across the Pacific region to build capacity for a SRH response. While the SPRINT initiative has been implemented across several regions to improve organisational and national capacity preparedness, training for communities can be strengthened. This research outlines the importance of formalising partnerships and regular meetings and training to ensure the currency of coordination efforts in readiness for activation. However, work is needed to further institutionalise SRH in emergencies in national policy and accountability mechanisms.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/150674