When a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria in February 2023, the devastation was immediate and profound. With over 59,000 confirmed fatalities and millions displaced, the aftermath has revealed deep-seated vulnerabilities, particularly regarding women’s health and well-being. As organizations worldwide mobilize to address these urgent needs, innovative approaches in women’s health programs are emerging as essential models for long-term disaster response.
Impact of the Earthquake on Women’s Health
The catastrophic earthquake primarily affected 11 provinces, with regions like Hatay witnessing accelerated displacement due to the destruction of homes and public infrastructure. As displaced populations gathered in temporary settlements, women’s health needs were alarmingly unmet. According to Bülent Kılıç, a public health professor and president of the Association of Public Health Specialists (HASUDER), the aftermath has seen a spike in issues such as increased sexual violence, inadequate hygiene, and a sharp rise in sexually transmitted infections.
Inspecting the current situation, HASUDER reported that many women lacked access to basic healthcare services, leading to a worrying surge in maternal and child health risks. Primary care and maternal health facilities that were once cornerstones of community health have either closed or drastically diminished in capacity. The direct consequence has been alarming: higher maternal mortality rates, unintended pregnancies in unsafe environments, and an inability to obtain prenatal care.
The Role of Health Organizations
In the face of such urgent needs, organizations like HASUDER and the Turkish Family Health and Planning Foundation (TAPV) have emerged as leaders in women’s health response. Thanks to generous grants from Direct Relief, HASUDER received over $655,000 while TAPV was awarded $375,000 to enhance their programming. These funds have facilitated mobile health services, community outreach, and education tailored to women affected by the disaster.
These organizations have not only provided vital services such as cancer screenings, birth control education, and maternal healthcare but have also prioritized the development of flexible strategies to reach women, particularly in refugee communities. By taking their services directly to these enclaves, they’ve managed to overcome barriers such as transportation and cultural hesitance to access health services.
Effective Community Engagement Strategies
Understanding the community dynamics is critical in effectively addressing health needs in disaster zones. HASUDER and TAPV have realized that building trust within communities is paramount. Initially, many women were reluctant to seek help or even discuss intimate health issues. However, as the organizations began working with female community leaders, they were able to cultivate relationships that fostered trust and dialogue.
These efforts led to increased participation in health services. Women who had previously avoided seeking care began actively reaching out for assistance, and community leaders acted as liaisons to ensure that health services were adequately communicated.
Success Stories and Implications for Future Actions
Over the past two years, HASUDER has delivered sexual and reproductive health services to over 7,200 women living in temporary settlements. Meanwhile, TAPV’s outreach extended to more than 8,400 women, emphasizing the importance of education on vital health issues like family planning, cancer screenings, and hygiene.
One notable case involved a woman who discovered a lump during a self-examination, prompting a referral to a cancer treatment center where immediate attention was required. This exemplifies how accessibility to health education and services can significantly alter health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Moreover, the initiatives focused not just on immediate healthcare needs but also on long-term education and empowerment. Many women reported re-learning about their health in contexts where it was previously marginalized, as reflected in one woman’s remark: “We had forgotten ourselves as women.”
Addressing Cultural Barriers and Unmet Needs
While the actions taken by HASUDER and TAPV have been commendable, there’s underlying acknowledgment of systemic cultural barriers that persist. Issues such as forced marriage, gender-based violence, and misinformation about reproductive health plague many communities. In fact, HASUDER nurses have reported that girls as young as 16 are increasingly being forced into marriage, especially as schools remain closed, further entrenching gender inequalities and limiting women’s autonomy.
To combat these challenges, community-based interventions are essential. TAPV has taken initiative by arranging transportation for women to medical facilities and engaging in conversations that break down cultural stigmas surrounding women’s health issues.
Conclusion: A Model for Long-Term Disaster Response
Turkey’s experience post-earthquake serves as both a cautionary tale and a valuable learning opportunity for disaster response efforts globally. The intersection of disasters and women’s health is often overlooked, yet it is clear that addressing women’s health needs is crucial for recovery and resilience.
The ongoing work by HASUDER and TAPV illustrates how targeted, culturally sensitive interventions can meet urgent health demands in disaster-stricken areas. As they adapt their strategies and strengthen community ties, they are paving the way for innovative, long-term solutions to women’s health challenges in crises.
The resilience demonstrated by these women and the commitment of health organizations provide hope and a formidable framework for future disaster responses. Focusing on women’s health as a critical component in disaster management not only aids immediate recovery but also contributes to building healthier, more equitable communities in the long run. Such models serve to highlight the intersectionality of disaster response and public health, showcasing the importance of a multifaceted approach for effective recovery and resilience in the wake of calamity.
