As the crisis rages on, the number of women unable to access family planning, facing unintended pregnancies, gender-based violence and other harmful practices could skyrocket in the months ahead. We can also expect up to 31 million additional cases of gender-based violence for every 6 months of movement restriction measures. In Liberia anecdotal evidence and service data from one of the counties show an increase gender-based violence by 25 per cent between April and May 2020. Health services data also show a 40 per cent reduction in access to services including women seeking maternal health services. On World Population Day, it’s time to reaffirm and act on our collective resolve to secure sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.

Source: Front Page Africa July 12, 2020 22:52 UTC