Empowering Refugee Health: Bhavya Joshi’s Research in Kakuma

Bhavya Joshi from UC Berkeley conducts vital research in Kakuma Refugee Camp, focusing on the health needs of displaced South Sudanese women. Employing community-based participatory research, her work involves local women in the study process. Joshi’s findings reveal significant barriers to reproductive health services, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions to address maternal mortality and gender-based violence. Her commitment to collaborative work seeks to improve refugee health outcomes and inform policy in humanitarian contexts.

In late July, Bhavya Joshi from UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health commenced her journey to Kakuma Refugee Camp, situated 500 miles north of Nairobi, Kenya. Despite the toll of extensive travel and recent illness, Joshi expressed her excitement to return to Kakuma, a camp established in 1992 for refugees from various countries including South Sudan and Ethiopia, housing over 290,000 individuals. Joshi’s research primarily assesses the health needs of displaced South Sudanese women amid ongoing crises and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her study employs community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles, engaging refugee women in every aspect of the research process. Joshi underscored the neglect of marginalized communities in scientific research, asserting that her approach aims to address the data deficiency regarding these groups. Current statistics depict South Sudan as having the highest maternal mortality rate globally, exacerbated by challenges in accessing reproductive health services.

Joshi’s initial findings indicate severe barriers to maternal healthcare, including inadequate healthcare providers, outdated resources, and an alarming absence of cervical cancer screenings or family planning services, mainly due to societal norms. This situation amplifies risks for refugee women, including increased instances of gender-based violence and unplanned pregnancies. Joshi, motivated by her personal experiences, expressed her commitment to amplify the voices of these vulnerable groups.

Raised in New Delhi, India, Joshi’s background is steeped in a desire to promote health and equity for women. Her academic journey led her from the University for Peace in Costa Rica to UC Berkeley, enriching her expertise in humanitarian health settings. Now, working alongside South Sudanese women, Joshi aims to ensure that no community is overlooked in healthcare initiatives.

Joshi established a collaboration with local consultancy AMREC to facilitate her research, employing local young women as data collectors who speak the languages of the community. This approach fosters trust and encourages participation in difficult conversations surrounding reproductive health. The importance of community buy-in was evident during a recent workshop, where participants engaged actively in discussing Joshi’s preliminary findings, contributing to a sense of ownership over the research.

In discussions with the Kenya Red Cross, Joshi learned about the complexities surrounding reproductive health in the camp, including gender-based violence affecting women’s access to family planning. Current efforts include focus groups aimed at improving knowledge and acceptance of family planning methods among men, which could enhance overall health outcomes.

After concluding her activities in Kakuma, Joshi returned to Nairobi to prepare for a crucial stakeholder meeting. The feedback received from experts will be instrumental in refining her analysis. Reflecting on the interactions within the community, Joshi highlighted the emotional relief expressed by participants, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in addressing health issues. She remains optimistic that collective efforts will lead to improved reproductive health strategies for refugees in Kenya, guiding policymakers in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced in humanitarian settings.

Bhavya Joshi’s research in Kakuma Refugee Camp represents a significant initiative aimed at addressing the health disparities faced by South Sudanese refugees, particularly women. Through a community-based participatory research approach, Joshi emphasizes collaboration and empowerment, giving a voice to marginalized communities. The alarming maternal mortality rates and barriers to reproductive healthcare underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions. This collaborative effort not only aims to improve health outcomes but also seeks to guide policy decisions that consider the complexities of compounded crises. Ultimately, Joshi’s work exemplifies the necessity of inclusive research methodologies in addressing public health challenges within refugee settings.

Original Source: publichealth.berkeley.edu