Developing vulnerability assessment tools for sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings
With the goal of better integrating sexual and reproductive health and rights services (SRHR) into humanitarian responses, and improving access to services for vulnerable populations, hera led a consortium to develop a handbook for East and Southern Africa. The project aimed to create standardised tools for assessing vulnerability and its impact on SRHR service delivery.
Steps for undertaking vulnerability assessment on SRHR, HIV and GBV in humanitarian settings
The 2gether 4 SRHR regional programme aims to enhance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in East and Southern Africa, particularly among adolescent girls, young people, and key populations. By promoting an integrated approach to SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence (GBV), the UN Joint Programme, involving UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO, sought to address critical gaps.
Recognising the need for harmonised vulnerability assessment tools, the Programme engaged hera to develop instruments measuring vulnerability and its impact on SRHR service delivery and access.
A consortium of hera and management4health (m4h), with support from the 2gether 4 SRHR regional project team and national experts, collaborated from September 2021 to May 2023. Through a participatory process involving the four UN agencies, community organisations, and frontline staff, a comprehensive handbook was developed. These tools were designed to integrate SRHR, GBV and HIV into standard assessment practices and support preparedness and emergency response efforts.
The resulting handbook presents a module for harmonising vulnerability assessment tools across humanitarian agencies, with emphasis on the integration of SRHR, GBV, and HIV into broader assessments like food security and WASH. It includes detailed guidance on tool development, data collection, analysis, and utilisation, along with six questionnaires capturing community perspectives and priorities.
The culmination of this collaborative effort is a comprehensive step-by-step handbook that represents a significant step forward in advancing the integration of SRHR, GBV, and HIV within humanitarian responses, ultimately contributing to the promotion of SHRH for all individuals in the region.