Turkish Association of Public Health Specialists’ post-disaster sexual and reproductive health field practice in Hatay

Abstract

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services may not be adequately provided during disasters, access to services becomes challenging, and there can be an increase in morbidity and mortality in mothers and children, primarily related to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Hatay was one of the most affected provinces by Kahramanmaraş earthquakes on February 6, 2023. This article presents HASUDER's field practices of Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) in Hatay after the disaster. Turkish Association of Public Health Specialists (HASUDER), with three months of funding support from International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), signed a protocol with Hatay Metropolitan Municipality and opened the first SRH Service Unit on March 15, 2023. Over the three months, in addition to providing SRH services in the unit and during limited mobile visits, family planning materials and STD medication supports were provided to health institutions in the region, health units in temporary shelters, and civil society organizations. Due to the ongoing need to SRH services at the primary health care HASUDER obtained separate funding from Direct Relief (DR) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in June 2023. The number of units was doubled, and each unit employed a doctor, two midwives/nurses, and a driver, with two vehicles provided for mobile services. Thus, the focus remained on providing region-based and predominantly mobile services. HASUDER, with other organizations has significantly contributed to providing SRH services to individuals and institutions affected by the disaster. Stakeholders need to collaborate and prepare for the application and development of this SRH service model.