SRH Technical Working Group (SRH TWG)

The Sexual and Reproductive Health Technical Working Group in Gaza (SRHTWG) was established in November 2023 in response to the humanitarian crisis that began in October 2023. The crisis has severely impacted Gaza, causing significant fatalities, injuries, and the displacement of 75% of the population, placing immense strain on the healthcare system. This situation has particularly affected women and girls, who face heightened risks related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH).

The SRHTWG was established to address the severe SRH challenges exacerbated by the destruction of health facilities and the collapse of infrastructure, which have left many women without access to essential SRH services. Coordinated efforts among UN agencies, NGOs, and the Ministry of Health are necessary to ensure a comprehensive response and provide accessible and quality SRH services. The SRHWG is led by UNFPA, MOH and UNRWA, under the Health Cluster, and in line with the guidance from the Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Task Team under the Global Health Cluster (https://healthcluster.who.int/our-work/task-teams/sexual-and-reproductive-health-task-team ).

Overall Goal of the SRHTWG

To prevent excess maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity, the main goal of the SRHTWG is to ensure that SRH needs of the population are identified and met and that accessible and quality services are established. 

This is done by ensuring the implementation and monitoring of the Minimum Initial Service Package for SRH in crisis (https://iawg.net/resources/minimum-initial-service-package-misp-resources ).

The SRHTWG strived to avoid duplications and addressing gaps, through effective, transparent and inclusive coordination.

Specific objectives:

1. Effective and continuous Coordination among all SRH stakeholders to implement the MISP and whenever possible comprehensive SRH in emergencies, and provide strategic and operational direction.

2. Support Service Delivery with focus on:  preventing excess maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, preventing unintended pregnancies, planning for comprehensive SRH services, integrated into primary health care as soon as possible, preventing sexual violence and responding to survivors' needs, preventing HIV and STI transmission. This includes provision of capacity building and life-saving supplies.

3. Data for Monitoring and Evaluation, by establishing a framework to collect and share essential SRH in emergency  indicators, to guide decision-making.