Ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health services amid lockdown

A computer rendering of the surface of SARS-CoV-2, the virus strain that causes COVID-19. Photo Courtesy: CDC

The Covid-19 public health emergency has already become a global crisis and the countries have imposed national emergency, restrictions on travel, including stop-movement orders. This pandemic has placed unprecedented pressure on our health and social systems. Frontline service providers and systems, such as health, policing and social welfare, are overwhelmed by a plethora of activities related to preparedness and response of the Covid-19 pandemic. The major efforts of the entire health system and workforce are directed towards containing the spread of the disease and often the resources are diverted from the routine health services.

In doing so, there is a risk that essential health services that the communities expect from the system would be compromised. Many essential services have been deferred because of the lockdown and physical distancing requirements coupled with the fear of Covid-19 exposure. Nepal has been under lockdown since March 24. With no clear plan about going back to the normal life, the end to the lockdown is still not clear.

One of the most profound impacts of Covid-19 has been on the lives of women and girls. The lockdown and quarantine measures imposed to curb the spread of the virus have put millions of women around the world out of reach of birth control options and other sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Confined in homes with their partners, they are much at risk to face unwanted or unplanned pregnancies. Because of the travel bans and closure of many clinics and health facilities, women are less able to access critical SRH services such as maternal health care, contraceptives and family planning, abortion, screening, and treatment of STIs and other services.

For women using long-acting reversible contraceptives such as implants and intrauterine devices, there might be a need for replacement, re-insertion, or switching to another method due to side effects, complications or completion of duration. Even for those using short-term methods such as oral contraceptive pills and condoms, going out to procure a contraceptive is relatively difficult. In both cases, as the services are unavailable, more women are likely to experience unplanned pregnancies.