Disrupted access to necessary social and health services, including access to education and access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH)

Impact on women and gender equality

Disrupted access to necessary social and health services, including access to education and access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH)

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.