For women living in refugee camps, there is a lack of maternal health facilities on site and finding aid and safe transportation to offsite facilities can be very difficult. Often, refugee camps can be located in rural areas and or conflict zones causing a lack of specialized doctors close to the camp and security issues with traveling outside the camp such as attacks on ambulances. It is vital for a pregnant woman to be able to receive obstetric care in any emergency situation. In order to help refugee women find timely and quality care, mobile clinics and “mama taxis” have been installed in many camps to aid prenatal and postpartum healthcare. The UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) has led the development of mobile clinics which are “clinics on wheels” equipped with necessary medicines, tools, machines, doctors, nurses, etc. and can meet a woman in need so she does not have to travel around or leave a camp. With similar intentions, the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) has sponsored “mama taxis” in the refugee camp Dadaab in Kenya which hosts more than 35,269 registered refugees and asylum seekers. These community-run cabs pick up women who need a secure and fast ride to healthcare facilities. Another option that the UNHCR has created as part of the Minimum Initial Service Packages are delivery kits that are provided in refugee camps to pregnant women and assistants to ensure sterile procedures. Refugee women are already in vulnerable situations as they had to leave everything behind and move to temporary homes. Providing safe, effective, quick measures for women in crisis settings to find maternal healthcare is necessary for the well-being of the mother and the child.

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