‘If You Do Not Give Me Your Body, I Would Not Give You Rice’: Internally Displaced Persons’ Sexual and Reproductive Health Challenges in Northern Nigeria

Idongesit Eshiet, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
Chinwe Nwanna, University of Lagos
Michael Kunnuji, University of Lagos
Oluwayomi Adeleke, University of Lagos
Richard Okocha, University of Lagos

The reproductive health of displaced persons, is often challenged by the sudden and harmful disruptions in the pattern of their daily living caused by displacement. In this study, we investigated the reproductive health challenges of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in camps in Northern Nigeria. The study is underpinned by the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Security Approach which views security as the safety of individuals from chronic threats and harmful disruptions in the patterns of daily life. We studied four camps located in Benue and Kaduna states and gathered qualitative data through 60 in-depth interviews of IDPs (males and females, ages 18 years and above) and 8 key informant interviews of camp officials (males and females) involved in providing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Data was analysed with NVivo Version 12 based on pre-determined themes. Finding reveals that IDPs are faced with SRH challenges, such as vulnerability to contracting sexually transmitted infections, sexual abuse and exploitation, and gender-based violence. Yet they have limited access to SRH services, although IDPs in Benue state have a better access than those in Kaduna state. Access to SRH services is influenced by camp location, ownership and length of stay in camp.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Gender Dynamics, Internal Migration and Urbanization

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