Public Health Insights from Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp

Bhavya Joshi from UC Berkeley engages in research at Kakuma Refugee Camp, focusing on the health needs of South Sudanese women. Utilizing community-based participatory research, her findings shed light on significant reproductive health challenges, including maternal mortality and gender-based violence. Joshi’s work aims to empower refugee women and inform policy makers on health interventions amidst compounded crises.

In late July, Bhavya Joshi, a doctoral student at UC Berkeley School of Public Health, embarked on a journey to Kakuma refugee camp, located 500 miles from Nairobi, Kenya. The camp houses over 290,000 refugees from various countries and has been operational since 1992. Joshi’s research emphasizes the health needs of South Sudanese women facing crises of armed conflict and food insecurity, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joshi’s initiative is notable for its community-based participatory research (CBPR) methodology, engaging refugees in the research process from question development to data collection. This approach aims to address the historical exclusion of marginalized groups in scientific studies. Joshi recognizes the urgent need for data on reproductive health, especially in South Sudan, which has the highest maternal mortality rate globally, exacerbated by humanitarian circumstances.

Her findings reveal significant challenges these women face, including limited access to healthcare, outdated medical equipment, and a lack of reproductive health services. Joshi noted alarming trends such as unreported cases of maternal mortality and increased risks of gender-based violence and unintended pregnancies.

Growing up in New Delhi, Joshi’s passion for women’s health was influenced by her own experiences. She pursued studies in international law, human rights, and now healthcare in humanitarian settings. Working with South Sudanese women aligns with her goal of supporting the most vulnerable populations, ensuring their health needs are prioritized.

Joshi collaborated with the Kenyan consultancy AMREC to establish relationships within the Kakuma community. She recruited local women under 30 as data collectors, empowering them to engage with sensitive community topics. This local involvement fosters a sense of ownership over the research and builds trust.

Upon presenting her findings, the community provided constructive feedback, emphasizing the importance of participatory research. This approach cultivates collaboration and investment from those directly impacted, moving away from traditional researcher-centered models.

In discussions with the Kenya Red Cross, Joshi learned of the neglect many women face in reproductive health due to survival priorities. Interventions focusing on male involvement were suggested to address family planning. Joshi highlighted successful increases in family planning discussions leading to improved uptake of services.

Returning to Nairobi for a stakeholder meeting, Joshi prepares to share her insights with health officials and researchers. She reflects on the profound impact of her engagements, noting how discussions around reproductive health have provided emotional relief to participants. Joshi’s work exemplifies how community collaboration can elevate marginalized voices, aiming to inform policy and improve reproductive health outcomes among refugees in Kenya.

Bhavya Joshi’s research at Kakuma Refugee Camp highlights critical gaps in reproductive health services for South Sudanese women. Emphasizing community engagement and participatory methods, her work seeks to empower these women and inform policy decisions. The initial findings underscore the urgent need for improved healthcare access and gender-based violence interventions. Through collaboration and local involvement, Joshi aims to promote sustainable health solutions that resonate with the community’s experiences.

Original Source: publichealth.berkeley.edu