From choice, a world of possibilities. Emergency response in flood affected Bangladesh and Myanmar: Implications for climate resilient SRH model

Transcription

1 Authors: Dr. Rajrattan Lokhande Sinu Chacko From choice, a world of possibilities From choice, a world of possibilities Emergency response in flood affected Bangladesh and Myanmar: Implications for climate resilient SRH model 16 th Annual Inter-Agency Working Group meeting 11 th March 2016

2 THE SPRINT INITIATIVE The SPRINT Initiative, Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) PRogramme IN crisis and post-crisis situation, a programme funded by DFAT, the Australian Government and hosted by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). Improve health outcomes of crisis affected populations by reducing preventable sexual and reproductive health morbidity and mortality Plan for comprehe nsive services Prevent excess maternal and newborn morbidity Improve coordinatio n The Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for reproductive health in crisis situations Prevent and manage the conseque nce of sexual violence Reduce STIs including HIV transmissi on

3 Background In 2015, Bangladesh and Myanmar witnessed one of their worst floods in the decade. Flood events were due to growing climate change affects in the region. In response to the floods, IPPF-SPRINT implemented the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) project in flood affected Kale province in Myanmar and Cox s Bazar and Chittagong province in Bangladesh. Implemented through IPPF s respective Member Associations: Family Planning Association of Bangladesh Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Reached out to over 12,500 beneficiaries with crucial SRH services.

4 Cox s Bazar & Chittagon g Floods The floods and landslides resulted in at least 23 deaths, destroying thousands of houses, crops and infrastructure, leaving over 200,000 people stranded Kale Floods Heavy rainfall since July, and aggravated by Cyclone Komen affected approx. 70,000 people in Kale Township (Sagaing Division) and its surrounding villages, causing damage to houses, farm and infrastructure Methodology Case studies Data collected through field visits, project reports, Semi-structured interviews with project staff, beneficiaries and external agencies Review of literature on climate change and its impact on SRH.

5 Key Results The flash floods in urban areas due to heavy rains caused high water levels ranging from six to twelve feet and disruption of key public systems including communications, transportation and health Increased salinity of the coastal belt affected sanitation, marine food and agriculture These are newer emerging crisis resulting in affected population stranded in their place with inadequate supplies of SRH needs for days and weeks Implementation also affected due to local/ National Governmental approvals Procurement policies which doesn t incorporate special considerations like humanitarian settings. No long term disaster risk reduction steps were envisaged for issues like climate change. Developmental agencies were not adequately prepared for natural disasters including extreme climate change events and its impact.

6 Key Results The emergency response projects did exceptionally well in areas where health facilities were functional, presence of coordinating partners and with good transportation and communications. The remote places like Ramu in Cox s Bazar, were less reached. Males constituted 12% of the total beneficiaries as compared to 39% pregnant females and women in their reproductive age-group. Four (0.03%) gender-based violence cases were identified and provided relevant services. 887 dignity kits were distributed and 3,267 family planning services were provided.

7 Lessons learnt With the recent global commitment by all nations at COP 21, Paris, National and Regional allies needs to be developed to strategize and work collaboratively for better response to newer emerging challenges like climate change, urbanization, migration, globalization, conflict and its effects in Asia Pacific region The paper proposes a holistic climate resilient framework to make SRH services more sustainable along humanitarian -development continuum

8 Risk Assessment, Mitigation & Preparedness SRH Resilience Model Food Security Partnerships & Collaborations Evidence Building Cross-border sharing and learning Trans-national response and risk mitigation Pre-position stocks Empower Strengthen Health Systems Advocate for inclusive SRH in National DRR Policy Access Local Community Engage WASH Education Province/State Enable Capacitate key stakeholders National Engage in Regional Cooperation and Agreements Regional Integrate SRH in Hospital Emergency Management Plans Early Warning systems Shelter Protection

9 Conclusion Responding to SRH in climate change should be multi-sectoral and integrated across disaster-development continuum. Humanitarian activities should be integrated with the developmental programs for sustained and comprehensive response.

10 Thank You!