SPRINT IV Project – Providing lifesaving sexual and reproductive health support in emergencies – August 2022 – December 2022

Background/Context

As a tropical island nation frequently affected by natural hazards, Sri Lanka is a country for which sexual reproductive health support is a serious humanitarian need. The year 2022 also marked 2 years since the onset of COVID 19. In addition to that, the country is also faced by a crippling economic crisis which is yet another challenge to maintaining sufficient Sexual Reproductive Healthcare needs.

As of August 2022, the total count of COVID 19 infections is over 650,000 across the island with more than 15,000 deaths recorded up to date. While Sri Lanka rolled out a successful vaccination campaign against the virus, with the emergence of a number of new variants, COVID 19 still remains a humanitarian issue in the country. In addition to that, the long-term effects of the pandemic still affect the quality of life of Sri Lankan citizens. The months-long lockdowns and travel restrictions impacted the tourism industry and apparel industry both of which accumulate foreign income in large numbers and create employment opportunities for a considerable number of citizens, particularly the youth. Directly resulting from the increase in poverty and unemployment, the aftermaths of the first harsh hits of COVID 19 showed an influx of Sexual Gender Based Violence. The number of unplanned pregnancies also increased due to the limited accessibility to contraceptives and other sexual reproductive health products during the lockdown period. Due to the high infection of COVID 19, several maternal and neonatal deaths were also reported during this period. While COVID 19 remains a humanitarian threat across the country, through SPRINT IV, various lifesaving SRH support will be provided to the vulnerable and marginalized communities among those who are affected.

In addition to the COVID upsurge, the economic situation has also made SRH services inaccessible, particularly for vulnerable communities. Due to the fuel crisis which has made travel difficult, increasing prices of goods because of hyperinflation and the scarcity of medication and medical equipment have further diminished the quality of life for Sri Lankan citizens. At a time like this, where survival has become the most pivotal factor, SRH needs are often overlooked. Healthcare products such as contraceptives have become a scarcity of unaffordable for certain communities, and maternal and neonatal care products have also become largely unavailable to most. With the increase in poverty, unemployment and inability to afford basic needs, crime rates have increased, particularly SGBV. In this crucial time, through SPRINT IV, FPASL attempt to provide maternity and dignity kits to those in need as well as provide knowledge and training on SRH in Emergencies, for an economic crisis is a humanitarian emergency where lives are at risk, and also provide support and protection against SGBV.

Natural disasters and displacement of citizens are also a regular occurrence in the island nation. The August rainfall in 2022 resulted in 12,289 affected persons, of which 2,374 have been displaced (DMC,2022) There have also been recorded;3 deaths and 3 missing people reports during the August rainfall and subsequent landslides. Similarly, the localized flooding in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Western Provinces following heavy rains in the month of June resulted in one death and over 22,338 people affected including 690 people displaced in 10 community shelters, (DMC, 2022) SPRINT IV, a humanitarian project committed to providing SRH services in such emergency situations, therefore, would provide training to first responders and humanitarian workers on delivering SRH support to the victims during emergencies, particularly in relation to Minimal Initial Service Package (MISP) at a time of crisis.

SPRINT IV has multiple activities planned for the upcoming period of 5 months until December 2022, which are as follows.

1) A Simulation Exercise (SimEx) on preparing to respond in a real-life crisis situation will be conducted for government institutions that are first responders during a crisis, as well as CSOs and various other stakeholders

2) Mapping of district-level SGBV service providers & establishment of referral mechanisms and training on SGBV for various stakeholders to enhance awareness and referral mechanisms

3) Development of IEC/BCC material on SRHiE and conducting MISP training for disabled communities.

4) Developing an SOP for sexual and reproductive health in emergencies to incorporate existing humanitarian policies

5) Training youth volunteers on SRHiE responses.

6) A MISP Training for the staff of DMC, NDRSC and other Government officers in Gampaha District.