Addressing the sexual and reproductive health and rights of migrant and internally displaced women in informal settlements in Burkina Faso

Despite existing programs, some aspects of the sexual and reproductive health and rights of migrants and internally displaced adolescents and women in informal urban settlements in Burkina Faso have been neglected. This project aims to take better account of these neglected aspects in informal settlements of Ouagadougou and Kaya, where many temporary or long-term displaced people stay.

The project includes four components: assessment of needs and factors related to access to health services and sexual and reproductive rights; co-creation of the intervention with decision-makers, migrant and internally displaced adolescents and women and their leaders, representatives of local NGOs/associations working with these populations, health professionals and community health workers; assessment of social and economic impacts; and implementation of a communication and knowledge-sharing strategy.

The project will improve overall knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights needs as well as specific neglected areas. It aims to lead to adoption of positive and responsible behaviours in sexual and reproductive health and rights; changed attitudes/perceptions and strong involvement of stakeholders; and more equitable access to health services.

This project is funded under the Addressing Neglected Areas of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Sub-Saharan Africa (ANeSA) initiative. ANeSA is a seven-year CAD29.9-million initiative funded by IDRC, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Global Affairs Canada. Its primary objective is to support greater realization of critical sexual and reproductive health and rights by underserved populations in Africa.