Around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted women’s access to necessary social and health services, such as education and sexual and reproductive health. A report by the United Nations’ Independent Accountability Panel (IAP) found that key community members – mothers, infants, children, and adolescents –  are losing 20% of their health and social services due to the pandemic. This causes an increase in maternal mortality rates; higher rates of illiteracy; and other life-saving health services, among other challenges – which reinforces deep-rooted, structural gender inequalities.

In Uganda, women in labour would turn to their local community leaders to call an ambulance to take them to a hospital, but ambulances were not often readily available. As a result, many women have had to give birth without access to skilled professionals and post-natal care. This has resulted in an increase of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths.

Explore the data in the dashboard to learn more.