This report takes stock of the current evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on different aspects of sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including through a look at European donor trends related to sexual and reproductive health.
The report concludes that COVID-19 has had a considerable impact on sexual and reproductive health spanning from:
- Substantial disruptions in sexual and reproductive health services, with contraceptive care, family planning and sexual and gender-based violence services most affected;
- Significant increases in maternal deaths, stillbirths, and maternal depression;
- Restricted access to education on sex and relationships due to school closures;
- To negative impact on access to HIV care, antiretroviral therapy and testing services for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
To build back better and to learn for future pandemics, we recommend the following:
- Continuous strong commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights;
- Building strong health systems;
- Learning from new approaches;
- Strengthening information campaigns to emphasize the safe availability of sexual and reproductive health care;
- Investing in gathering data and monitoring.
