In the wake of natural disasters and socio-political conflicts, countless individuals are forced to flee their homes for the sake of their safety and survival, becoming refugees in the process. These refugees, whose home areas may range from entire countries to specific territories, are governed by international laws primarily rooted in the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the status of refugees. Originally crafted to address the mass displacement resulting from World War II, this convention remains a cornerstone of refugee protection (National Geographic, 2023).
In these dire circumstances, one of the most pressing issues is the lack of access to fundamental necessities for women and girls, such as sanitary pads, clothing, and underwear, essential for managing their menstrual cycles. As the number of refugee women continues to rise, their health becomes increasingly precarious due to the glaring absence of women-specific healthcare services within refugee camps. These services should ideally provide a private space for changing clothes, breastfeeding, and resting. The vulnerable population of refugee women requires more than just basic care; they require comprehensive support encompassing antenatal and postnatal care, menstrual hygiene management, and overall healthcare—challenges shared by women worldwide. Shockingly, Rohingya refugee women often resort to using natural materials like mud, leaves, dung, or animal skins to cope with menstruation. Moreover, the lack of access to clean water, private latrines, and the prevalence of open defecation exposes women and children to heightened risks of diseases (Kashfi Pandit, 2022).
Syrian refugees, both within and outside of refugee camps, frequently report a host of gynecological problems, ranging from menstrual irregularities and reproductive tract infections to severe pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea. The challenges extend further for married Syrian refugee women living outside camps, who endure micronutrient deficiencies, sexually transmitted infections, and mental health issues. Beyond the physical health toll, the mental well-being of refugee women is profoundly impacted by the hardships associated with displacement—limited livelihood opportunities, substandard living conditions, food and transportation insecurity, and the added responsibility of safeguarding their children in challenging circumstances (SAMS Foundation, 2019).
In 2017, the Rohingya crisis brought over 700,000 refugees to Bangladesh, dramatically affecting sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among this population. Rohingya women and girls confront a heightened risk of morbidity, mortality, and gender-based sexual violence, which increases the likelihood of unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and associated complications. Sexual assaults within refugee camps infringe upon the sexual and reproductive health rights of adolescents, while the lack of contraceptive access amplifies population growth and the potential transmission of HIV. Furthermore, the absence of adequate sanitation facilities and a hygienic environment exacerbates the suffering of women (Semonti Jannat, 2022).
Similar to Syrian refugees, Rohingya refugee women and girls are in urgent need of sexual and reproductive health services. This encompasses antenatal care, delivery assistance, postnatal care, family planning services, menstrual health support, safe abortion access, and sexually transmitted infection prevention and treatment, including HIV/AIDS. Shockingly, up to 85 percent of refugees still lack access to proper latrines, which contributes to the outbreak of communicable diseases. The absence of gender-segregated latrines and hygiene facilities forces women in refugee camps to venture into the forest in darkness, leaving them susceptible to harassment, violence, and even attacks from wild animals (Karin et al., 2020).
Health Security
Health security, defined as freedom from disease and infection, is a fundamental component of human development and individual well-being. Recognized globally as an essential prerequisite for achieving an optimal quality of life, health security is intimately linked with human security. Without adequate protection from threats and a sense of safety, human development and well-being cannot be realized (WHO, 2002).
In the case of women’s health in refugee camps, it is evident that women and girls are grappling with insecurity and compromised health. International assistance is imperative to address these pressing issues, as refugees face significant challenges accessing adequate healthcare facilities, amplifying their sense of insecurity and hindering their capacity to take proactive measures for self-protection.
Contributions of International Organizations
In the context of Syrian refugees, the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) plays a pivotal role. This global medical aid organization operates at the forefront of crisis relief in Syria and surrounding areas, striving to save the lives of all patients in need. In 2016, SAMS supported 66 Syrian reproductive health centers, assisting in the delivery of nearly 40,000 babies and providing a quarter of a million reproductive health services. In 2017, SAMS extended its reach by offering 457,043 reproductive health services within Syria and providing reproductive health training to communities. Beyond reproductive health, SAMS supports women’s health services in Lebanon through specialized Obgyn missions, and it has initiated mental health and psychosocial services that address a range of issues, from maternal support to anxiety and speech disorders in children, thereby tending to the psychological wounds inflicted by conflict. SAMS’s humanitarian efforts span several countries, including Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, Bangladesh, Egypt, and Kurdistan (Society et al., 2023).
In the case of Rohingya refugees, the Bangladesh American Society of Muslim Aid for Humanity (BASMAH), based in the United States, takes on similar challenges. BASMAH has established health clinics to serve Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, given the unsanitary living conditions that make them highly susceptible to diseases. These clinics provide essential services to hundreds of Rohingya patients, encompassing women, girls, the elderly, and men, offering free medical services, medicines, emergency care, and consultations. On any given day, approximately 300 Rohingya patients receive healthcare from BASMAH’s doctors, serving a population of 1.3 million Rohingya refugees, with women and children comprising 75 percent of this demographic. Since 2017, BASMAH has been working diligently within the camps, implementing a range of programs covering clean water, education, medical care, women’s empowerment, dental care, and various relief efforts (BASMAH, 2023).
Despite the commendable efforts of these organizations in Syria, Bangladesh, and neighboring areas, women’s health issues persist in refugee camps worldwide. Many refugees in African regions remain underserved, facing critical challenges in accessing healthcare. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 46 attacks on healthcare workers, resulting in eight fatalities, along with the looting and military occupation of health facilities. These incidents have left African refugees without essential medical support, underscoring the ongoing problems in women’s health that demand immediate attention and resolution (Renewal, 2023).
