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Although the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has yet to get a full picture of the impact of the Covid-19 virus on fertility rates, it has indicated that the disruption and disruption of health services health have led to unwanted pregnancies.
These trends, he said, have raised alarming concerns about a baby boom or an economic crisis.
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“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt our world and reach record levels of casualties,” Guterres said in his message for World Population Day.
Last week, the worldwide death toll from COVID-19 officially exceeded four million.
In addition to the tragedy of the loss of millions of lives, the pandemic has taken less visible havoc around the world, namely the appalling increase in domestic violence as the pandemic has forced women to isolate themselves in places where they have no other companion than their attackers. and empty maternities in hospitals due to postponement of maternity by women; unwanted pregnancy due to reduced access to contraceptive services.
In this context, Dr Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, stressed that what should be concerned “is when women are unable to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights and choices – whether because that health services are interrupted, or because discrimination prevents their freedom to decide whether to seek health care, to have family planning or to have sex with their partner.
This is what the pandemic has consecrated.
Dr Kanem explained that the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed serious inequalities and weaknesses in health systems within and between different countries, as the crisis has overburdened many health systems, reducing sexual health services and reproductive systems that are often considered unnecessary.
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A Photo / Martine Perret
A mother and her newborn baby in Soai, Timor-Leste.
While sexual and reproductive health services are a human right, they are neglected in favor of other more “urgent” concerns, according to the top UN official in the field of reproductive and sexual health of women and men. girls, adding that “amid economic pressures and budget cuts, the real danger emerges, which is the possibility of failure. Some countries are re-establishing these services. “
The United Nations estimates that the pandemic will push some 47 million women and girls into extreme poverty. In addition, many girls are no longer in school and may never return to their classes.
“In all corners of the world, we are witnessing a reversal of hard-won gains and an erosion of women’s reproductive rights, choices and active role,” the Secretary-General noted in his message, saying that with the onset of the pandemic, the diversion of resources for sexual and reproductive health services began.
The Secretary General said:
“These gaps in access to health rights are unacceptable. Women cannot fight this battle alone.
The importance of filling in the gaps
Societies become healthy and productive when women are able to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health and when they have access to services that support their choices.
A woman who controls her own body obtains gains related not only to the extent of her independence, but also to her health, education, income and security. Thus, his chances of prosperity increase and the chances of his family also increase.
Both the Secretary-General and the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund have stressed the importance of seeking to take the necessary measures to address these gaps, as sexual and reproductive health services are essential.
Mr. Guterres concluded his post with a call to action:
“As we mark World Population Day, let us commit to ensuring reproductive health rights for everyone, everywhere. ”
Dr Natalia Kanem said: “Let us work together to support the right of individuals to decide when or if they have a family, and together let’s defend the rights and choices of women and girls.
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