This Inter-agency Field Manual on Reproductive Health in Refugee Situations is the result of a collaborative effort of many UN agencies, governmental and non-governmental organisations and refugees themselves. Information in this Manual is based on the normative, technical guidance of the World Health Organization. A draft of the Field Manual was first issued in 1996 and tested extensively in the field. This new version can, and should, be shaped and adapted to suit the particular circumstances and requirements of each refugee situation as it arises and evolves
This document is a manual for the effective use of the Inter-agency reproductive health kits in crisis situations. It provides information on use, contents and ordering procedures for a set of kits as of January 2011. The reproductive kit comprises 12 " sub kits" for use at different health care levels. They are designed e.g. to provide contraceptives, to treat sexually transmitted diseases, to ensure a clean and safe delivery or to manage the consequences of rape. Since the development of the Inter-agency emergency reproductive health kits in 1996, these kits have been updated regularly.
The Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) is a series of actions needed to respond to the reproductive health needs of populations in the early phase of a refugee situation (which may or may not be an emergency). The MISP is not just kits of equipment and supplies; it is a set of activities that must be implemented in a coordinated manner by appropriately trained staff. It can be implemented without any new needs assessment since documented evidence already justifies its use. The MISP prevents excess neonatal
and maternal morbidity and mortality, reduces HIV transmission, prevents and manages the consequences of sexual violence, and includes planning for the provision of comprehensive reproductive health services
integrated into the primary health program in place
