ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE FOR DISPLACED WOMEN AND GIRLS LIVING IN URBAN TOWNS

Abstract

This paper seeks to show the stakes faced by displaced women and girls from conflict-affected areas as they try to seek reproductive health care services in their new setting. Normally, reproductive health possess defies to both health providers and consumers in pre conflict settings due to some social and cultural norms. The displacement of women from the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon as a result of the on-going conflict has worsened the reproductive health situation of these women. Reproductive health problems have always been at the centre of healthcare provision in Cameroon with much money invested in it. Since the outbreak of social unrest in the two English speaking regions of Cameroon, many women and young girls have been displaced to other towns to seek refuge. Faced with the risk of displacement, most women and girls find it hard to access health services on issues relating to reproductive care.

 In carrying out this study, A qualitative research method was used. Information was gotten from 30 people who were made up of 20 women and 10 men, with the help of in-depth interview and focus group discussion. These informants were contacted at the hospital where they come for consultation and at their homes. The theory used for this study is the health system theory. Coming from different cultural background as a result of displacement, these women have different reproductive health needs and challenges. With this, they are force to deploy various culturally perceived ways to solve these problems which with time, it becomes dangerous to their health.