BELGIUM - In the newly released policy brief (see below) with DSW and IPPF EN, EPF sheds light on first knock-on effects of the COVID-19 crisis on contraceptives access and calls for concrete steps to prioritise SRHR services in EU policies.
The lockdown measures have already led to stockouts and disruptions to supply chains for SRH commodities, such as contraceptives and maternal health medicines. In several East African countries reduced family planning service access and use has been reported. With limited access to HIV testing, contraceptive care and services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) as well as reduced availability of abortion care and a lack of access to comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), an estimated additional 49 million women will be left with an unmet need for modern contraceptives, resulting in an additional 15 million unintended pregnancies in Low- and Middle Income countries.
The report highlights the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity for the EU to further align its development policies on the Agenda 2030 and on the three pillars of sustainable development, economic, social and environmental. While the world starts planning for a post-pandemic recovery, it points out that, the SDGs can help focus this recovery on inclusion, equality, and sustainability. See the brief below for seven recommendations on how to integrate SRHR policies in EU's development policies.