Maternal Health of Refugees Migrating from Democratic Republic of Congo to Burundi

Nearly half a million people have fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in hopes of finding a safer home, and over 60,000 of these refugees are currently living in neighboring Burundi. The migration from DRC to Burundi represents a flight from one resource-poor, conflict zone to another resource-poor, conflict zone where access to high quality health services is limited.

The Maternal Health Task Force, in partnership with lead researcher Jocelyn Finlay and colleagues from Pathfinder International, the World Food Programme and NWO/WOTRO, is conducting a mixed-methods study to examine the maternal health services available to female refugees of reproductive age from the DRC who currently live in United Nations Refugee Agency camps in Burundi. Researchers will assess what kinds of maternal health services are available and identify gaps in utilization and quality of care.

The results from this study will help inform programs and policies to address maternal health needs in conflict zones, emergencies and other humanitarian settings.

Read an interview with Jocelyn Finlay on the Maternal Health Task Force blog: Insight Into Maternal Health in Humanitarian Crisis Settings>>