About the MISP Distance Learning Module

The MISP for Reproductive Health (RH) is a coordinated set of priority activities designed to: prevent and manage the consequences of sexual violence; reduce HIV transmission; prevent excess maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity; and plan for comprehensive RH services in the early days and weeks of an emergency. The MISP distance learning module aims to increase humanitarian actors' knowledge of these priority RH services to initiate at the onset of a crisis situation.

The MISP was first articulated in 1996 in the field–test version of Reproductive Health in Refugee Situations: An Inter-agency Field Manual [1] (Field Manual), a resource developed by the Inter-agency Working Group (IAWG) on Reproductive Health in Refugee Situations. The IAWG is a group of approximately 40 United Nations (UN), academic research, governmental and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that came together in 1995 to address RH for refugees. Unless a specific reference is given, the information provided in the MISP module is based on the Field Manual, which provides specific guidelines on how to address the RH needs of displaced populations from the initial emergency stage of a crisis through to reconstruction and development phases. The MISP outlines the initial RH response and will be explained in detail in this module. The MISP is also a standard in the 2004 revision of the Sphere Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response [2] for humanitarian assistance providers.

Who is the MISP Module designed for?

The module incorporates a multi-sectoral set of activities to be implemented by humanitarian workers operating in health, camp design and management, community services, protection and other sectors. The MISP module is particularly useful for members of emergency response teams, and other first humanitarian responders in crisis situations. The module focuses on populations displaced by crises, such as armed conflict and natural disasters. Although the MISP module is most relevant to those working in emergency settings, it can also be used as a minimum standard post-crisis to ensure that priority RH activities are established.

How long will it take me to complete the MISP Module?

Approximately three to four hours.

How do I use the MISP Module?

The module is a self-instructional learning module. The module should be read in order of chapters and later can be used as a reference. The user reads through each chapter and completes the chapter quizzes and final quiz. The online version of the module is interactive and also includes quizzes and provides links to additional Web-based resources. The online module can be downloaded or printed for offline review.

OBJECTIVE
OF THE MISP MODULE IS FOR READERS TO:

	define and understand each component of the MISP;

	grasp the importance of implementing the MISP in emergency settings;

	understand the role and functions of the RH Coordinator/Focal Point;

	be able to order MISP supplies internationally or obtain them locally;

	know the most important things to do in the immediate days and weeks of a new emergency to prevent and respond to sexual violence;

	know the priority interventions for reducing HIV transmission in the earliest phase of crisis situations;

	understand the best ways to reduce maternal and neonatal death and disability at the onset of an emergency;

	be able to plan for comprehensive RH programming once the crisis has stabilized.

In what format and languages is the MISP Module?

The module is available online on the Women's Commission's Web site at www.womenscommission.org and the Reproductive Health Response in Conflict (RHRC) Consortium Web site at www.rhrc.org. Print copies can be ordered by emailing info@womenscommission.org. The module is currently available in English and French; other languages may be available in the future.

Are there ways to provide feedback for improving or asking questions about the MISP Module?

Yes, send an email to info@womenscommission.org.

Is there a way to certify that I've completed the MISP Module?

Yes, once you've completed the post-test online with 80 percent correct answers, you will automatically receive a certificate of completion that you can print out directly. The certificate of completion also verifies 3.5 hours of continuing education credits for nurses in the USA.