Title:
Sexual and Reproductive Health: Health Access Challenges Faced by Displaced Syrian Women in Lebanon
Authors:
Trabelsi, Anouar
Place:
Amsterdam
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2017
PAGE:
x, 49
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Syrian women, Refugees, sexual and reproductive health/and rights, Lebanon, services utilisation
Abstract:
Background: Lebanon hosts 1.5 million Syrian refugees by 2017 which make it the country with the highest refugee concentration per capita in the world (GoL and UNHCR 2017; ECHO 2017). The continuously increase since 2011 of the population created a shock to the health system. Refugees and especially women and girls as the most vulnerable health are affected. Sexual and reproductive health and rights of women was particularly influenced by the socio-economic determinants. Women and girls were exposed to violence including sexual violence, unmet needs of contraceptives, unfollowed pregnancies, and low use of antenatal care and post-natal care services. In fact, 70% of refugees in Lebanon are living under the poverty line by 2016 (Amnesty 2016). The Lebanese government refused to set any camp to receive refugees and by mid-2015 the Lebanon-Syrian borders were closed to stop refugees’ arrival. By consequence, the number of unregistered Syrian refugees increased. As a consequence, women have more difficulties to reach health and social support as well (ECHO 2017). This study includes a description of the various interventions made in the neighbouring countries (Turkey, Jordan and Iraq) and the good practices that could be adapted in Lebanon to meet displaced Syrian women sexual and reproductive needs. Methodology: a desk study based on a review of the academic and grey literature. Andersen’s Behavioural Model and access to medical care 4th edition was used to analyse the findings. Results: Syrian refugees are living in sub-standardized houses (UNHCR et al. 2016). They cannot meet the daily needs such food and access to water. Despite the multiple programs to target refugees, there is a lack in the response due to the limitation of funds as by July 2017 only 13% of the needed funds were available (UNHCR 2017d). Refugees cannot afford health care when needed due to the expensive Lebanese health System. Females in need to SRH service are estimated to be 30% of the total refugee influx. The sexual and reproductive health was affected as the contraceptive use declined from 53.9% in 2009 (WorldBank 2017a) to 34.5% in 2014 (Reese Masterson et al. 2014). underage marriage increased 4 times among girls under 18 years (UNFPA 2017b). Socially, female are more exposed to violence including intimate partner violence coupled with low health support (Reese Masterson et al. 2014). Nearly, 50% of Syrian children in Lebanon are out of schools and being exposed to exploitation such as child labour or early marriage (ECHO 2017). Conclusion: sexual and reproductive health and rights of Syrian women in Lebanon are not met and harmful coping mechanisms are adopted. More data related to maternal and neonatal mortality rates of Syrian nationals in Lebanon and comprehensive studies to assess Syrian women across Lebanon are needed. An urgent increase of funds to meet targets from the resilience plan is crucial.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Tunisia
Region:
North Africa
Training:
Master of International Health
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2017 Trabelsi
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
q8E4B9zltU_20180415105927757.pdf