Access to Contraceptive Services in Crisis Environment: A Case Study of Women in Wassa Internally Displaced Persons Camp in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

Women in internally displaced persons’ camps experience limited access to reproductive health services due to the crisis context. The Inter-Agency Field Manual (IAFM) on Reproductive Health in Humanitarian Settings outlines the minimum reproductive health services for women in crisis situations. This study analysed women’s access to rights-based contraceptive services in Wassa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Abuja, Nigeria.

The study employed quantitative and qualitative research designs to understand accessibility and quality of reproductive health services utilised by women of reproductive age 15-49 in the camp. A structured questionnaire and discussion guide were developed with focus on the minimum package in the Inter-Agency Field Manual on Reproductive Health in Humanitarian Settings. Out of 270 respondents, 201 women (74.8%) reported that there were no contraceptive services available in the Camp, while 69 women (22.6%) claimed it was available. 211 women (78.2%) reported not using any form of contraceptives, while 56 women (21.1%) were using at least one form of contraceptives. Poor access to contraceptive services compromises the health and well-being of women and girls in IDP camps and underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy reforms.