Integrating sexual and reproductive health into health emergency and disaster risk management

This policy brief discusses the integration of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in all aspects of health emergency and disaster risk management, both for immediate health needs, such as saving lives in obstetric complications and preventing disease, as well in the long-term to reduce vulnerability and to support sustainable development of health systems and communities.

Health policymakers, emergency managers in health and other sectors, donors and other actors are advised to consider the following actions to integrate SRH into emergency risk management systems, programmes and plans: Priority 1: Incorporate SRH into multisectoral and health emergency risk management policies and plans at national and local levels; Priority 2: Integrate SRH into health risk assessment and provide early warning for communities and vulnerable groups; Priority 3: Create an environment of learning and awareness; Priority 4: Identify and reduce risks for vulnerable communities and SRH services by reducing underlying risk factors; Priority 5: Prepare existing SRH services to absorb impact, adapt, respond to and recover from emergencies.