Research into how war-displaced communities value or prioritize aid response is limited. A clearer conceptualization of what affected populations seek from the international humanitarian response to their needs would be valuable in planning for emergencies.

Exploring internally displaced person's (IDP) experiences and perceptions of the humanitarian response, with a focus on health risks, resources, and health services received during their displacement.

A mixed-method approach using both quantitative and qualitative methods was used. This study assessed the perceptions of IDPs on provision of health and other services using an interviewer-administered-questionnaire (survey) using a sample frame that included the entire displaced population of 150,000 IDPs living in 97 camps. Findings from the survey were synthesized with the key themes that emerged through the qualitative methodology. In-depth interviews were conducted with health cluster actors. An innovative child-to-child (CTC) based research methodology was used to ascertain the insights and perceptions of displaced children and adolescents.

The survey revealed community satisfaction with health care services immediately after displacement (within IDP camps) improved considerably from 63% to 80% (6 months after the acute phase). Significant gains also were registered for shelter (54.2% to 81.4%), and sanitation (47.4% to 62%). Satisfaction of services rendered by primary healthcare workers also were high; 81.7% for public health midwife (who provided maternal and child health care), and 76.8% for public health inspectors (who provided environmental health and disease control). However, CTC workshops revealed inequalities in access to food based on ‘caste’ and occupation. Protection issues relating to violence from community and militant groups were reported.

Despite IDP satisfaction with healthcare services, there were gaps in food security and violence/protection activities. Recognizing of the role/impact community health volunteers play in health care is an important factor in enhancing primary health care services in IDP camps.