Why the Promotion of Family Planning Makes More Sense Now Than Ever Before?

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented scenarios and challenges for programme managers. Health systems have been overwhelmed with the increasing number of cases, and the focus has shifted to saving lives. Furthermore, lockdowns have adversely affected the production and distribution of products and availability of commodities, while the restrictions in movement have limited individuals’ access to services. This article analyses the possible consequences of the pandemic on the rights of individuals and couples and endeavours to provide justifications for continued national commitment and investments in family planning, especially during these challenging times. As sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights are fundamental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, it is critical to focus on ensuring rights-based family planning, because it is intimately associated with fundamental human rights, addresses the issue of equity, equality and universality and provides valid and practical solutions to the vital economic quagmire that has unfolded as a consequence of this global crisis.

Authorized, Clear and Timely Communication of Risk to Guide Public Perception and Action: Lessons of COVID-19 From China

“…On 11 March 2020, WHO o cially declared the 2019 coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19) as a pandemic [1]. As a response to the pandemic, countries worldwide have been taking measures in preventing and controlling the pandemic in hopes of slowing the spread-governments imposed travel bans on an unprecedented scale to contain the transmission, closing their borders and implementing mandatory screening of citizens returning from heavily affected areas [2,3]. Despite these measures, the numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise globally [2,3].…”

Applications of the High Impact Practices in Family Planning during COVID-19

“… 10–14 While the COVID-19 pandemic may impact women’s fertility intentions and contraceptive choice, it is critical to ensure that current or potential FP users continue to have access to a wide range of voluntary contraceptive information and methods, and that FP programmes continue to promote and implement evidence-based practices. 8 , 14 …”

“…30 By bringing services directly to the FP client, CHWs may help overcome access barriers due to COVID-19 mobility restrictions. 11 , 14 For example, The Challenge Initiative expanded training opportunities for CHWs throughout Francophone West Africa in response to the pandemic. In partnership with local facility-based health workers, CHWs are now engaged across multiple levels of the healthcare system and organise household visits, aiming to minimise large crowds at health facilities.…”

Authorized, Clear and Timely Communication of Risk to Guide Public Perception and Action: Lessons of COVID-19 from China

“…As a response to the pandemic, countries worldwide have been taking measures in preventing and controlling the pandemic in hopes of slowing the spread-governments imposed travel bans on an unprecedented scale to contain the transmission, closing their borders and implementing mandatory screening of citizens returning from heavily affected areas [2,3]. Despite these measures, the numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise globally [2,3]. Follow with reported daily new incidence cases from WHO, after 7 March 2020, the new incidence cases from foreign countries grow rapidly, even the increased trend was hard to control that growth repeatedly when has the decreased cases.…”