Bhavya Joshi, a doctoral student at UC Berkeley, is conducting vital research in Kakuma refugee camp focusing on the reproductive health needs of South Sudanese women affected by multiple crises. Using community-based participatory methods, Joshi collaborates closely with refugee women in her research process. Her findings reveal significant challenges in accessing reproductive healthcare, highlighting the dire need for integrated health services that respect local cultural dynamics. Through her participatory approach, Joshi aims to improve reproductive health policies for marginalized populations.
In late July 2024, Bhavya Joshi, a doctoral student at UC Berkeley School of Public Health, embarked on a significant journey to Kakuma refugee camp in northern Kenya, covering approximately 500 miles from Nairobi. Despite recovering from a severe illness, she expressed profound joy at returning to Kakuma, a camp accommodating over 290,000 refugees from various countries, which she first visited in February 2024 for research purposes. The camp, established in 1992, primarily supports youth refugees affected by the Second Sudanese Civil War.
Joshi’s research focuses on understanding the health needs and accessing care for South Sudanese women facing compounded crises such as conflict, food insecurity, and impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work, supported by UC Berkeley Public Health and other institutions, employs community-based participatory research principles, ensuring active collaboration with the refugee women on various aspects of the research process. Joshi emphasizes that historically marginalized communities have been overlooked in scientific work, leading to a significant lack of relevant data.
South Sudan has the highest maternal mortality rate globally, significantly more than developed nations. Joshi’s research aims to illuminate the often-neglected reproductive health services in humanitarian contexts, where urgent basic needs usually overshadow sexual and reproductive health. Preliminary findings highlighted considerable challenges faced by women, including inadequate access to healthcare facilities, outdated tools, and a lack of essential reproductive services such as cervical cancer screenings and family planning options.
Joshi’s commitment to assisting women is shaped by her personal experiences and desire to advocate for vulnerable communities. Raised in New Delhi, India, her ambitions were reinforced by a desire to work with the United Nations. Her academic pursuits led her to focus on healthcare in humanitarian settings and involved several research projects across different regions, including migration health in Greece and reproductive healthcare for Ukrainian refugees in Croatia.
In Kakuma, Joshi collaborated with Kenyan consultancy AMREC to establish research partnerships with the local community. She recruited young women from the camp to assist in data collection, addressing sensitive issues in various local languages. Feedback sessions conducted after her research trips exemplified the community’s eagerness for collaborative work, rather than a dismissive approach typical of external researchers.
During discussions with healthcare providers, the urgent need for integrating reproductive health services without exacerbating gender-based violence became apparent. Many camp residents prioritize basic survival over reproductive health decisions. Joshi engaged with organizations like the Kenya Red Cross to better understand the dynamics at play regarding family planning and reproductive health. Empowering males in family planning discussions has shown promise in increasing acceptance and usage of these services.
Joshi’s ongoing efforts highlight the necessity of community insights in shaping effective health interventions. Her findings from Kakuma are viewed not just as data, but as a pathway to foster real change in policies benefiting refugees’ reproductive health. By maintaining community involvement, Joshi aims to address the complexities of health care needs amid varying degrees of crisis, ensuring that no one is overlooked.
In conclusion, Bhavya Joshi’s work in Kakuma refugee camp serves as a vital example of how community-based participatory research can bridge gaps in understanding and delivering health care to marginalized populations. Her dedication to empowering women and elevating their voices embodies the beliefs that research should serve to promote real change and cater to the needs of the communities it aims to help. Through continued collaboration and sustained advocacy, her research endeavors aspire to influence reproductive health policies in humanitarian settings effectively.
In summary, Bhavya Joshi’s research at the Kakuma refugee camp highlights the critical intersection of community engagement and reproductive health in humanitarian contexts. Her work underscores the importance of involving marginalized women in the research process, allowing for a better understanding of their needs and health challenges. As she focuses on dismantling barriers to care and amplifying underrepresented voices, Joshi’s initiatives have the potential to inspire meaningful changes in health policies for displaced populations. By fostering collaboration and addressing gender-based violence, her research seeks to elevate reproductive health standards and outcomes among refugee women.
Original Source: publichealth.berkeley.edu
