Assessment of the availability of public health services in humanitarian responses in Gambella, Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to assess the availability of public health services in response to humanitarian crises in Gambella, Ethiopia. This informed the development of a public health service protocol for humanitarian emergency responses in Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were explored and identify current humanitarian health emergency needs and responses, describe the availability of public health services required for humanitarian emergency responses, study and critically analyse different humanitarian responses in respect of health care services and related protocols in other countries, develop a context-specific and needs-based protocol for humanitarian emergency responses in Gambella, Ethiopia, clarify the policy and programme implications of such a protocol. A mixed-method research design was used to conduct the study. Data were collected from 32 health facilities to assess the availability of required resources and public health services. A checklist and in-depth interview guide were used to collect the data. The quantitative data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics using frequency distribution tables and graphs. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data. The study revealed a lack of resources which threatened the availability of public health services in humanitarian emergencies. The ever-increasing number of refugees overstretched the limited resources, leading to stockouts of medicines, other health commodities and equipment. The absence of emergency preparedness, poor coordination of services, coupled with a lack of integration of services exacerbated public health service delivery. The study findings informed the development of a public health service protocol for humanitarian responses in Ethiopia. The study further recommended further research on other factors that might affect humanitarian responses and coordination.