MCHD 704: HEALTHCARE IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT TEST

1. Discuss how you would care for the displaced people in these temporary shelters
to meet their needs.

Caring for displaced people in temporary shelters is a critical humanitarian task especially in
the outbreak of COVID-19. To effectively meet their needs, a comprehensive approach is
required, encompassing various aspects such as basic necessities, healthcare, emotional
support, and social integration. The considerations for providing care for the displaced
individuals in temporary shelters:

1. Basic Needs:
A). Shelter: Ensure the provision of safe and adequate temporary shelter, considering factors
like weather conditions, privacy, and cultural sensitivities.

B). Food and Water: Provide regular and nutritious meals, taking into account dietary
requirements, cultural preferences, and any specific nutritional needs.

C). Sanitation and Hygiene: Establish proper sanitation facilities, including toilets, showers,
and hand washing stations. Promote hygiene practices and provide essentials like soap,
sanitary products, and clean water (Maleka & Matli, 2022).

2. Healthcare:
A). Medical Services: Set up a medical clinic or collaborate with local healthcare providers
to offer primary healthcare services, including regular check-ups, treatment of common
illnesses, and access to essential medications (Maleka & Matli, 2022).

B). Mental Health Support: Recognize the psychological impact of displacement and offer
counseling services to support the emotional well-being of individuals. Train staff and
volunteers to identify and address mental health concerns (Vagni et al., 2020).

3. Education and Skill Development:

A). Temporary Schools: Establish educational facilities within the shelters, ensuring
children have access to education. Provide teachers, learning materials, and a safe learning
environment.

1
B). Vocational Training: Offer skill development programs for adults, enabling them to
acquire new skills or enhance existing ones, increasing their chances of finding employment
or starting small businesses.

4. Social Support and Community Building:

A). Community Spaces: Create communal areas within the shelters where individuals can
socialize, participate in recreational activities, and engage in cultural events.

B). Support Groups: Facilitate support groups for various vulnerable populations, such as
women, children, and the elderly, addressing specific needs and fostering a sense of
community and mutual support (Maleka & Matli, 2022).

5. Protection and Legal Support:

A). Child Protection: Establish child-friendly spaces and implement child protection
measures to ensure the safety and well-being of children. Provide support for unaccompanied
minors and reunite them with their families whenever possible (Maleka & Matli, 2022).

B). Legal Aid: Collaborate with legal organizations to provide legal assistance, helping
displaced individuals understand their rights, access legal processes, and address any legal
issues they may face.

6. Coordination and Partnerships:

A). Collaboration: Work closely with local authorities, humanitarian organizations, and
community leaders to coordinate efforts and avoid duplication of services. Establish
partnerships to leverage resources and expertise (DeVita et al., 20222).

B). Needs Assessment: Conduct regular assessments to understand the evolving needs of
displaced people, adapting services accordingly (Vagni et al., 2020).

7. Long-Term Solutions:
A). Durable Solutions: While temporary shelters are essential for immediate relief, work
towards finding durable solutions, such as permanent housing, livelihood opportunities, and
safe return or resettlement when feasible.

It's important to note that the specific approach may vary based on the context, available
resources, and the unique needs of the displaced population. Flexibility, cultural sensitivity,
and a person-centered approach are vital to providing effective care and support to those in
temporary shelters (Sultan et al., 2020).

2
 2. Discuss how you would meet their reproductive health needs in this emergency
situation

Meeting the reproductive health needs of displaced people in emergency situations is crucial
to ensure their well-being, dignity, and overall health (Sultan et al., 2020).

The strategies to address reproductive health needs in such circumstances includes:-

1. Coordination and Partnerships: Establish strong coordination mechanisms among

relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, humanitarian organizations,
NGOs, and local communities. Collaborate with specialized reproductive health
agencies like UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) and NGOs with expertise in
reproductive health (DeVita et al., 20222).
2. Needs Assessment: Conduct a rapid needs assessment to understand the specific
reproductive health needs of displaced populations. This assessment should capture
data on population demographics, existing healthcare infrastructure, access to
reproductive health services, and available resources (Maleka & Matli, 2022).
3. Safe Spaces and Privacy: Create safe spaces that provide privacy and confidentiality
for reproductive health services. These spaces should be designed to ensure the
comfort and dignity of individuals seeking care. Consider cultural and gender-specific
needs to foster an inclusive environment.
4. Reproductive Health Services: Provide a comprehensive package of reproductive
health services, including family planning, maternal healthcare, antenatal and
postnatal care, safe delivery services, and access to contraceptives. Ensure the
availability of skilled healthcare providers, medical supplies, and essential
medications (DeVita et al., 20222).
5. Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Prevention and Response: Develop
systems to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence. This includes
establishing referral pathways for survivors, training healthcare providers on SGBV
response, and implementing community-based awareness programs to address
gender-based violence (Maleka & Matli, 2022).
6. Family Planning and Contraception: Ensure access to a wide range of contraceptive
methods, including condoms, oral contraceptives, injectables, implants, and
intrauterine devices (IUDs). Offer counseling on family planning methods and
support the informed choices of individuals and couples (DeVita et al., 20222).

3
 7. Menstrual Health: Address the menstrual health needs of displaced people by
providing access to menstrual hygiene products, safe and private sanitation facilities,
and education on menstrual hygiene management. Engage with local communities to
challenge taboos and promote positive attitudes towards menstruation.
8. Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE): Implement age-appropriate and culturally
sensitive comprehensive sexuality education programs for adolescents and young
people (Sultan et al., 2020). These programs should empower them to make informed
decisions, promote healthy relationships, and prevent unwanted pregnancies and
sexually transmitted infections.
9. Community Engagement and Participation: Involve the affected communities in
decision-making processes, program design, and implementation (Vagni et al., 2020).
This ensures that the reproductive health services are tailored to their specific needs
and preferences. Engage community leaders, local healthcare providers, and
organizations to facilitate community ownership and sustainability (Maleka & Matli,
2022).
10. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms
to track the delivery and impact of reproductive health services. Regularly assess the
effectiveness of interventions, gather feedback from beneficiaries, and make
necessary adjustments based on emerging needs and challenges (DeVita et al.,
20222).
11. Capacity Building: Strengthen the capacity of local healthcare providers and
community health workers to deliver quality reproductive health services. Provide
training on clinical skills, emergency obstetric care, infection prevention, and
management of sexual and gender-based violence.
12. Long-term Planning: While emergency responses are critical, it is essential to
integrate reproductive health services into long-term planning. This involves
supporting the restoration and strengthening of local healthcare systems, ensuring
continuity of care, and building resilience to future emergencies.

Meeting the reproductive health needs of displaced people in emergency situations requires a
holistic and rights-based approach. It demands collaboration, flexibility, cultural sensitivity,
and a commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential reproductive
health services (Maleka & Matli, 2022).

4
 3. Describe how you would rehabilitate the affected people towards a sustainable
development

Rehabilitating displaced people towards sustainable development requires a comprehensive

approach that addresses their immediate needs while empowering them to rebuild their lives
in a sustainable manner:

Needs Assessment:

Conduct a thorough needs assessment to understand the specific challenges and requirements
of the displaced population. This assessment should include their basic needs like food,
water, shelter, healthcare, and education, as well as their skills, aspirations, and potential
resources (Vagni et al., 2020).

Emergency Relief:

Provide immediate emergency relief to address the most pressing needs of the displaced
people. This includes distributing food, water, and essential supplies, setting up temporary
shelters, and ensuring access to medical care (Sultan et al., 2020). It's important to collaborate
with humanitarian organizations and local authorities to maximize the effectiveness of relief
efforts.

Secure Livelihood Opportunities:

Facilitate access to livelihood opportunities for the displaced population. This can involve
vocational training programs tailored to their skills and local market demands. Training
should cover various sectors such as agriculture, construction, entrepreneurship, and
vocational skills relevant to the host community (Maleka & Matli, 2022).

Infrastructure Development:

Invest in the development of infrastructure to support sustainable living conditions. This

includes constructing or rehabilitating housing, schools, healthcare facilities, and community
centers. Infrastructure projects should prioritize environmentally friendly practices, such as
renewable energy sources and sustainable building materials, to contribute to long-term
sustainability.

5
Education and Skill Development:

Establish education programs for displaced children and adults. Ensure access to quality
education, including formal schooling, vocational training, and adult literacy programs.
Education plays a crucial role in empowering individuals and enabling them to contribute to
sustainable development efforts (Vagni et al., 2020).

Psychosocial Support and Trauma Healing:

Provide psychosocial support to help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological
impact of displacement. Offer counseling services, support groups, and recreational activities
to promote healing and resilience. Addressing mental health needs is vital for individuals to
actively participate in the rehabilitation process (DeVita et al., 20222).

Community Integration and Social Cohesion:

Foster community integration and social cohesion between the displaced population and the
host community. Encourage dialogue, cultural exchange, and collaboration to build
understanding and trust. Promote inclusive policies and initiatives that strengthen social
bonds and minimize tensions (Maleka & Matli, 2022).

Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Practices:

Promote environmental conservation and sustainable practices within the rehabilitated

communities. Encourage waste management systems, water conservation, reforestation
initiatives, and sustainable agriculture techniques. Raise awareness about the importance of
preserving natural resources and mitigating the impact of climate change.

Empowerment and Participation:

Ensure that displaced individuals have a voice in decision-making processes that affect their
lives. Encourage their active participation in community development projects, local
governance, and income-generating activities (DeVita et al., 20222). By empowering the
displaced population, they become agents of their own sustainable development.

Long-term Support and Monitoring:

Provide ongoing support and monitoring to ensure the sustainability of the rehabilitation
efforts. Regularly assess the progress made, identify challenges, and make necessary
adjustments. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs,

6
and the private sector, to secure long-term funding and resources for sustainable development
programs (Maleka & Matli, 2022).

Rehabilitating displaced people towards sustainable development requires a holistic and

multi-dimensional approach that addresses their immediate needs while fostering their long-
term resilience, empowerment, and integration into the host communities (DeVita et al.,
2022).

7
 REFERENCES

DeVita, T., Brett‐Major, D., & Katz, R. (2022). How are healthcare provider systems
preparing for health emergency situations? World Medical & Health Policy, 14(1),
102-120.

Maleka, N. H., & Matli, W. (2022). A review of telehealth during the COVID-19 emergency
situation in the public health sector: challenges and opportunities. Journal of
Science and Technology Policy Management.

Poll, M. A., Lunardi, V. L., & Lunardi Filho, W. D. (2008). Healthcare in emergency units:
organization and ethical implications. Acta Paulista de Enfermagem, 21, 509-514.

Sultan, M. A. S., Løwe Sørensen, J., Carlström, E., Mortelmans, L., & Khorram-Manesh, A.
(2020, October). Emergency healthcare providers’ perceptions of preparedness
and willingness to work during disasters and public health emergencies.
In Healthcare (Vol. 8, No. 4, p. 442). MDPI.

Vagni, M., Maiorano, T., Giostra, V., & Pajardi, D. (2020). Coping with COVID-19:
emergency stress, secondary trauma and self-efficacy in healthcare and emergency
workers in Italy. Frontiers in psychology, 11, 566912.