The Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for Reproductive Health is a priority set of life-saving activities to be implemented at the onset of every humanitarian crisis. It forms the starting point for sexual and reproductive health programming and should be sustained and built upon with comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services throughout protracted crises and recovery.
The MISP is an international standard recognised in a number of key humanitarian documents, including:
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Sphere Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (2004 revised edition). The Humanitarian charter describes the core principles that govern humanitarian action, and asserts the right of populations to protection and assistance in emergencies. The minimum standards included are a compilation of best practice in the sector and a practical expression of these core principles. In 2004 the MISP was included as a minimum standard.
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IASC Health Cluster Guide (2009 revised edition) – The global health cluster, led by WHO, is the body responsible for harmonising the health response of participating agencies in a crisis, in an effective and efficient manner. Since 2009, the IASC health cluster guide has recognised the MISP as a minimum standard for health service provision in emergencies.
The goal of the MISP is to reduce mortality, morbidity and disability, among populations affected by crisis, particularly women and girls. These populations may be refugees or persons displaced by manmade or natural disaster. The five key objectives of the MISP are:
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Ensure the health cluster/sector identifies an agency to lead implementation of the MISP
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Prevent sexual violence and provide care to survivors
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Reduce transmission of
HIV -
Prevent excess maternal and newborn
morbidity and mortality
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Plan for comprehensive
reproductive health services, integrated into
primary health care
To learn more about the MISP and to get certified, click here