Certain reproductive services have been defined as essential for a displaced population after an emergency. Such essential services include: provisions for professional midwifery care, emergency contraception for victims of rape, treatment of sexually transmitted infections and contraception in general. Supplies for the first two are included in the kit; others will have to be ordered separately according to need (see Annex 7).

Professional midwifery care is an essential service for which the necessary instruments and drugs are included in the kit. Sexual violence is widespread during the early phases of forced population movements. All possible measures should be taken to prevent and manage its occurrence and a small quantity of emergency contraception for victims of rape is included in the kit. It is acknowledged that cultural and religious beliefs may preclude some women and health workers from using this treatment, and it is strongly recommended that health workers assist the victim as much as possible in reaching an informed decision.

Comprehensive reproductive health services require to be integrated into the primary health care system as soon as possible and a referral system for obstetric emergencies must be made accessible to the population. It is also recommended that a qualified and experienced person be appointed as reproductive health coordinator. To assist a reproductive health programme the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has designed a number of reproductive health kits for all levels of the health care system during an emergency (see Annex 7).