April 01, 2019

RMF Featured in the BMJ Medical Journal

The BMJ: "Self Care Interventions for Sexual and Reproductive Health"

RMF Uganda Featured in the BMJ Article

On April 1, 2019, the BMJ published the article "Self care interventions could advance sexual and reproductive health in humanitarian settings." This article begins by summarizing the humanitarian crisis affecting refugees, asylum seekers, and IDPs, and then introduces the concept of self care interventions, such as HIV self-testing, as a way to address the health care aspect of this crisis as it pertains to sexual and reproductive health services and rights. The refugee crisis in Uganda is featured as a key example, and the BMJ article also mentions Real Medicine Foundation’s work with hospitals in Ugandan refugee settlements.

Publication: The BMJ
Date: April 1, 2019
BMJ 2019;365:l1083

Over a million refugees are now in Uganda. This is the third largest number of refugees accommodated by a single country in the world and the largest number in Africa. Most refugees are escaping violence from southern Sudan, and are hosted by districts in northern Uganda, a region recovering from a 20 year civil war. Between 2016 and 2018, the number of refugees in Uganda for every 1000 residents almost tripled to 35. Yet 2018 saw Uganda’s lowest ever refugee response funding levels. International agencies such as Real Medicine Foundation and Médecins Sans Frontières are working with local hospitals in some refugee settlements.

The article goes on to discuss the potential of self care interventions in humanitarian crises, as well as the importance of intersectional approaches, and the need for further research and upscaling.

RMF Uganda implements health for UNHCR and strengthens the health system through our Panyadoli Healthcare Project in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement. We continue to upgrade and maintain the Panyadoli Health Care Centres through the provision medicines, supplies, and personnel, as well as HIV/AIDS care, nutritional support, health center upkeep, and more. We are also a healthcare implementing partner for UNHCR at Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, where we support a team of over 500 medical and support staff who work to provide health care services to refugees and host communities.

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