Estimating the economic impact of COVID-19 disruption on access to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in the disruption of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) services in the Eastern and Southern Africa region. To date, studies estimating the impact of COVID-19 disruptions have mainly focused on SRHR services without estimating the economic implication. Method: We used national service coverage data on the effectiveness of interventions from the lives saved tool (LiST), a mathematical modeling tool that estimates the effects of service coverage change in mortality. We computed years lost due to COVID-19 disruption on SRHR using life expectancy at birth, number of years of life lost due to child mortality, and life expectancy at average maternal death. We calculated the economic value of the lives saved, using the values of statistical life year for each of the countries, comparing 2019 (pre-COVID-19) to 2020 (COVID-19 era). Findings: The total life-years lost were 1,335,663, with 1,056,174 life-years lost attributed to child mortality and 279,249 linked to maternal mortalities, with high case-fatality rates in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Tanzania. The findings show COVID-19 disruptions on SRHR services between 2019 and 2020 resulted in US$ 3.6 billion losses, with the highest losses in Angola (USD 777 million), South Africa (USD 539 million), and Democratic Republic of Congo (USD 361 million). Conclusion: The monetized value of disability adjusted life years can be used as evidence for advocacy, increased investment, and appropriate mitigation strategies. Countries should strengthen their health systems functionality, incorporating and transforming lessons learned from shock events.

La dimensión social de la pandemia 635 La dimensión de género en la pandemia. Análisis a partir de la situación en Navarra / The social dimension of the pandemic 635 The gender dimension in the pandemic. Analysis based on the situation in Navarra

La pandemia de la COVID-19 ha supuesto un complejo desafío a la sociedad contemporánea, afectando no sólo a la salud sino a diferentes dimensiones en la vida de las personas. Este trabajo tiene el objetivo de identificar el impacto de la pandemia en las condiciones de vida de las mujeres navarras, tanto en su esfera laboral productiva como en la dimensión reproductiva dentro de sus hogares. Buena parte del empleo considerado esencial en esta etapa pertenece a sectores altamente feminizados y precarizados. En la esfera privada, la pandemia ha intensificado las dificultades de conciliación de la vida laboral y la desigual distribución de cargas de trabajo doméstico y cuidados entre hombres y mujeres. El confinamiento ha supuesto un contexto de especial riesgo para muchas mujeres que propició un aumento muy significativo de las llamadas a los dispositivos de ayuda. Por ello, la pandemia y el confinamiento han contribuido a visibilizar procesos de desigualdad entre hombres y mujeres profundamente enraizados. Este trabajo concluye con algunas lecciones aprendidas orientadas a mejorar la respuesta colectiva a estos procesos de desigualdad.(AU)

Perspectives of health practitioners on the challenges to accessing sexual and reproductive health care services for Venezuelan migrant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Quito, Ecuador

[ABSTRACT]. Objectives. To describe the perspectives of health practitioners on the barriers, gaps, and opportunities that Venezuelan migrant women experienced to accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services during the COVID-19 pandemic and how SRH services were affected in Quito, Ecuador. Methods. Health practitioners involved in SRH services at nine public health care facilities in three zones of Quito were surveyed. The Minimum Initial Service Package readiness assessment tool survey, available from the Inter-Agency Working Group on Reproductive Health in Crisis, was adapted for use and data collection in Ecuador. Results. Of 297 respondents, 227 were included in the analysis. Only 16% of the health practitioners agreed that discrimination against migrant Venezuelans women occurred in the health care system. Of those, only 2.3% described specific conditions associated with discrimination, including requiring identification docu- ments (7.5%) and lack of empathy or responsiveness (6.6%). Most (65.2%) respondents reported that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the use of SRH services by women in the general population and by Venezuelan migrant women more so (56.3%) because of more limited access to SRH services, poverty, and vulnerability. There were no differences between perceptions by levels of health care facility, except with regard to the lack of supplies, awareness of discrimination, and the belief that Venezuelan migrant women were affected more negatively than the local population. Conclusion. The perception among health practitioners in Quito was that discrimination occurred infrequently during the COVID-19 pandemic despite affecting the health care system. However, some level of discrim- ination toward migrant Venezuelan migrant women seeking SRH services was acknowledged and may be underrepresented.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivos. Describir las perspectivas de los prestadores de atención de salud sobre los obstáculos, las brechas y las oportunidades que registraron las mujeres migrantes venezolanas para acceder a los servicios de salud sexual y reproductiva (SSR) durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y cómo se vieron afectados estos servicios en Quito (Ecuador). Métodos. Se encuestó a prestadores de atención de salud que trabajan en servicios de SSR en nueve centros de salud pública de tres zonas de Quito. Se utilizó una adaptación de la encuesta sobre el instrumento de evalu- ación de la disposición operativa del paquete de servicios iniciales mínimos, disponible en el Grupo de Trabajo Interinstitucional sobre Salud Reproductiva en Situaciones de Crisis, para la recopilación de datos en Ecuador. Resultados. De las 297 personas encuestadas, 227 quedaron incluidas en el análisis. Solo el 16% de los prestadores de atención de salud estaba de acuerdo en que en el sistema de salud había discriminación con- tra las mujeres migrantes venezolanas. De estos, solo el 2,3% describió circunstancias específicas asociadas a la discriminación, como la exigencia de documentos de identidad (7,5%) y la falta de empatía o capacidad de respuesta (6,6%). La mayoría (65,2%) de las personas encuestadas manifestó que la pandemia de COVID- 19 había impactado en el uso de los servicios de SSR por parte de las mujeres de la población general y, en mayor medida, por parte de las mujeres migrantes venezolanas (56,3%) debido a sus limitaciones para acceder a los servicios de SSR, su pobreza y su vulnerabilidad. No hubo diferencias en las percepciones según el nivel de los centros de salud, excepto con respecto a la falta de insumos, la concientización sobre la discriminación y la creencia de que estas mujeres se vieron más afectadas que la población local. Conclusión. La percepción en los prestadores de atención de salud en Quito fue que, pese a ser un fenómeno que afectaba al sistema de atención de salud, la discriminación había sido poco frecuente durante la pan- demia de COVID-19. Sin embargo, se reconoció cierto nivel de discriminación hacia las mujeres migrantes venezolanas que solicitaban servicios de SSR y que este fenómeno podría estar subrepresentado.

[RESUMO]. Objetivos. Descrever as perspectivas dos profissionais de saúde sobre as barreiras, lacunas e oportunidades que as mulheres migrantes venezuelanas encontraram para acessar serviços de saúde sexual e reprodutiva (SSR) durante a pandemia de COVID-19 e como esses serviços foram afetados em Quito, Equador. Métodos. Foram entrevistados profissionais de saúde envolvidos nos serviços de SSR de nove unidades públicas de saúde de três zonas de Quito. Adaptou-se o questionário de avaliação da prontidão para oferecer o pacote de serviço inicial mínimo, disponibilizado pelo grupo de trabalho interagencial sobre saúde reprodu- tiva em situações de crise, a fim de realizar a coleta de dados no Equador. Resultados. Dos 297 respondentes, 227 foram incluídos na análise. Apenas 16% dos profissionais de saúde concordaram que havia discriminação contra mulheres migrantes venezuelanas no sistema de saúde. Desses, apenas 2,3% descreveram condições específicas associadas à discriminação, como cobrança de documen- tos de identificação (7,5%) e falta de empatia ou responsividade (6,6%). A maioria (65,2%) dos respondentes relatou que a pandemia de COVID-19 afetou o uso dos serviços de SSR por mulheres na população de modo geral. As mulheres migrantes venezuelanas foram mais afetadas (56,3%) devido ao acesso limitado a serviços de SSR e à pobreza e vulnerabilidade. Não houve diferenças de percepção entre diferentes níveis de atenção à saúde, exceto no que diz respeito à falta de insumos, sensibilização para a discriminação e crença de que as mulheres migrantes venezuelanas foram afetadas de forma mais negativa que a população local. Conclusão. Para os profissionais de saúde em Quito, a discriminação foi pouco frequente durante a pandemia de COVID-19, embora a pandemia tenha afetado o sistema de saúde. Entretanto, os profissionais reconhece- ram certo nível de discriminação contra as mulheres migrantes venezuelanas que procuram serviços de SSR, que pode estar sub-representado.

Young people's access to sexual and reproductive health prevention services in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: The South African government responded swiftly to the first wave of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) with a nationwide lockdown. Initial restrictions from March-July 2020 required people to stay at home unless accessing essential, life-saving services. We sought to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns affected young people's access to sexual and reproductive health services in a high-prevalence HIV setting. METHODS: We analysed data from a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire conducted with 15-24 year-olds from September-December 2020 in Eastern Cape, South Africa. The questionnaire was promoted through social media platforms. Participants were asked whether and how the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions affected their access to sexual and reproductive health services, through closed-ended and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics using proportions were used to summarise responses, and open text was analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Of 3431 respondents, the proportions reporting 'more difficulty' accessing HIV testing services, HIV self-screening kits, condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis and antiretroviral treatment since the COVID-19 pandemic were 16.8%, 13.7%, 13.9%, 11% and 7%, respectively. In 796 open-text responses, participants described challenges accessing HIV services due to clinics being overwhelmed and prioritising patients with COVID-19, resulting in young people being turned away. Some were afraid of contracting COVID-19 at or en route to clinics. Others were unable to reach clinics because of restricted transport or financial insecurity. DISCUSSION: Young people in Eastern Cape rely on local clinics for services, and large proportions of young males and females faced difficulties or fears accessing clinics during the COVID-19 lockdown. Clinics became overwhelmed or inaccessible, limiting young people's access to sexual and reproductive health services. In high HIV risk contexts, prevention services and tools must be more accessible to young people, outside of clinics and within the communities and spaces that young people can access without fear or cost.

Reflexiones acerca del desempeño del ministro de Salud de Colombia en el manejo de la pandemia de COVID-19, la salud sexual y reproductiva, y la salud pública / Reflections on the performance of the Colombian Minister of Health regarding the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, sexual and reproductive health and public health

Objetivos: hacer una evaluación crítica de la gestión del ministro de Salud en ejercicio al terminar el gobierno de Iván Duque en el manejo de la pandemia, la salud sexual y reproductiva, y la salud pública en Colombia. Materiales y métodos: a partir de la descripción de situaciones problemáticas enfrentadas en ese periodo se presenta evidencia sobre los resultados de la gestión que, sumados a la opinión del autor, proveen un balance de la gestión realizada. Conclusiones: la gestión del ministro de Salud fue deficiente en el manejo de la pandemia y, en especial, en su atención a la salud sexual y reproductiva, y la salud pública.

Objectives: To offer a critical assessment of the incumbent Health Minister's performance at the end of the Ivan Duque administration regarding the management of the pandemic, sexual and reproductive health, and public health in Colombia. Material and methods: Based on the description of challenges faced during this time period, we present evidence regarding performance results which, together with the author's opinion, offer an assessment of the work done. Conclusions: The Health Minister's performance in managing the pandemic fell short, in particular as concerns sexual and reproductive health, as well as public health.

Incorporando la bioética ambiental a los cuidados materno-perinatales para disminuir los riesgos de la pan-sindemia en el proceso reproductivo / Incorporating environmental bioethics to maternal perinatal care to reduce the risks of pan-syndemic in the reproductive process / Incorporando a bioética ambiental ao cuidado perinatal materno para reduzir os riscos de pan-sindemia no processo reprodutivo

Antecedentes: Hasta el momento actual, el abordaje bioético de los cuidados materno-perinatales se proyecta desde la visión integral de la salud bio - psico - social, la perspectiva de derechos humanos y el enfoque de género. En general, no se ha incorporado a los cuidados materno-perinatales la bioética ambiental, que surge de la perspectiva de la salud ambiental; integrando la ética global, la perspectiva de la consiliencia, el derecho al ambiente saludable y la ética ambiental. La actual situación de crisis global por la combinación de la Pandemia COVID 19 y la Sindemia Global, que caracterizaremos como Pan-sindemia, incrementa los riesgos y daños en el proceso reproductivo, sobre todo en las poblaciones vulneradas en sus derechos. Justificación: Es necesario minimizar el efecto de la Pan-sindemia en el proceso reproductivo. En la agenda global, la humanidad debe revertir las causas que provocan la Pan-sindemia. Mientras tanto, los profesionales y equipos de salud deben reformular su rol a la hora de los cuidados materno-perinatales, incorporando a la clínica el derecho a un ambiente saludable para la reproducción. Perspectivas: Las modificaciones en la práctica clínica de los equipos de salud sexual y reproductiva deben orientarse a: - incorporar la bioética ambiental a los cuidados materno-perinatales desde la formación hasta la práctica clínica - desarrollar un abordaje integral de los grandes síndromes obstétricos perinatales, la prematurez y la restricción de crecimiento, para minimizar el impacto de la Pan-sindemia en el proceso reproductivo humano.

Background: Until now, the bioethical approach to maternal perinatal care is projected from the integral vision of bio-psycho-social health, the perspective of Human Rights and the gender perspective. In general, environmental bioethics, which arises from the perspective of environmental health has not been incorporated into maternal-perinatal care with global ethics, the perspective of consilience, the right to a healthy environment and environmental ethics. The current global crisis situation due to the combination of the COVID 19 Pandemic and the Global Syndemic, characterized as Pan Syndemic, increases the risks and damages in the reproductive process, especially in populations violated in their rights. Justification: It is necessary to minimize the effect of the Pan Syndemic on the human reproductive process. On the global agenda, humanity must reverse the causes of the Pan Syndemic. Meanwhile, health professionals and teams must reformulate their role when it comes to maternal-perinatal care, incorporating into the clinic the right to a healthy environment for reproduction. Perspectives: Modifications in the clinical practice of sexual and reproductive health teams should be aimed at: incorporate environmental bioethics into maternal perinatal care from training to clinical practice; develop a comprehensive approach to major perinatal obstetric syndromes, prematurity and fetal growth restriction, to minimize the impact of the Pan Syndemic on the human reproductive process.

Até o momento, a abordagem bioética da atenção materna perinatal se projeta a partir da visão integral da saúde biopsicossocial, da perspectiva dos direitos humanos e da perspectiva de gênero. De modo geral, a bioética ambiental não foi incorporada à assistência materno-perinatal que surge na perspectiva da saúde ambiental; integrando a ética global, a perspectiva da consiliência, o direito ao ambiente saudável e a ética ambiental. A atual situação de crise global devido à combinação da Pandemia COVID 19 e da Sindemia Global, que caracterizaremos como Pan-sindêmica, aumenta os riscos e danos no processo reprodutivo, especialmente em populações cujos direitos são violados. Justificação: É necessário minimizar o efeito da Pan-sindemia no processo reprodutivo. Na agenda global, a humanidade deve reverter as causas que causam a Pan-sindemia. Nesse ínterim, os profissionais e equipes de saúde devem reformular seu papel no que se refere à assistência materno-perinatal, incorporando à clínica o direito a um ambiente saudável para a reprodução. Panorama: As modificações na prática clínica das equipes de saúde sexual e reprodutiva devem ter como objetivo: - incorporar a bioética ambiental ao cuidado perinatal materno, desde o treinamento até a prática clínica - desenvolver uma abordagem abrangente para as principais síndromes obstétricas perinatais, prematuridade e restrição de crescimento, para minimizar o impacto da Pan-sindemia no processo reprodutivo humano.

Disruptions to the procurement of medical abortion medicines during COVID-19: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aimed to systematically search, retrieve and map the extent and characteristics of available literature on the evidenced disruptions to medical abortion (MA) medicine procurement caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. DESIGN: Scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley's methodology and Levac et al's methodological enhancement with adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, PMC, Science Direct, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were searched from January 2020 to April 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included articles in English that: (1) contained information on MA medicines; (2) included descriptions of procurement disruptions, including those with examples, characteristics and/or statistics; (3) documented events during the COVID-19 pandemic; and (4) presented primary data. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two reviewers independently screened search results, performed a full-text review of preliminarily included articles and completed data extraction in a standard Excel spreadsheet. Extracted data from was compared for validation and synthesised qualitatively. RESULTS: The two articles included are unpublished grey literature demonstrating evidence of short-lived disruptions in sexual and reproductive health commodity procurement, including MA medicines, in sub-Saharan Africa during the early months of the pandemic. Findings from the two included grey literature articles show that in sub-Saharan contexts, emergency preparedness, stockpiling, adaptations and flexibility of key actors, including donors, alleviated COVID-19 disruptions allowing for resumption of services within weeks. CONCLUSION: There is a need for increased empirical evidence of MA procurement challenges to understand which barriers to MA procurement may persist and impact continuity of supply while others can fuel resilience and preparedness efforts at the country and subregional levels. The lack of evidence from social marketing organisations and their networks is a significant gap as these actors constitute a vital artery in the distribution of MA commodities in low-income and middle-income countries.

Systematization of initiatives in sexual and reproductive health about good practices criteria in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in primary health care in Chile.

Introduction The COVID- 19 pandemic discontinued sexual and reproductive health care in Chile and the world. The national focus on hospital care led primary care teams to respond in natural and diverse ways. Understanding the factors involved in this process may improve future responses from the judgment of good practices. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and systematize sexual and reproductive health initiatives raised by primary care teams in response to the COVID- 19 pandemic in Chile. Methods We systematically evaluated initiatives and practices in sexual and reproductive health in prima-ry care between June 2020 and November 2021. This study was developed in three methodological phases: a review of documents, a collection of experiences through an electronic instrument sent to the 29 health services in Chile, and in-depth interviews. According to best practice criteria, mapping and characterizing the initiatives and critical discourse analysis of narratives and interviews were carried out. Results Forty-one initiatives from 19 health services were identified, mainly from the South Central macro zone and urban areas. In these areas, care was recognized. These practices were relevant, aligned with their objectives, rapidly implemented, and used novel strategies through new technologies. However, these initiatives had little intercultural relevance or evaluation. Perceived success was related to motivation, leadership, and institutional and community resilience. The adaptability of initiatives emerged as a new need and criterion of analysis. Conclusion The lessons learned from these initiatives invite us to consider health care teams' mental health, their relationship with the community, the use of new technologies, the evaluation of practices considering satisfaction, cross- cutting approaches, and their adaptability. In all, these aspects may improve primary care response in sexual and reproductive health to new crises.

Introducción La pandemia de COVID- 19 ha implicado la discontinuidad de atención en salud sexual y reproductiva en Chile y el mundo. El foco en la contención hospitalaria de la pandemia llevó a los equipos de atención primaria a responder de manera innata y diversa. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y sistematizar iniciativas de salud sexual y reproductiva planteadas por equipos de atención primaria en respuesta a la pandemia COVID- 19 en Chile, con el fin de comprender y aprender de los factores involucrados en esta, para mejorar futuras respuestas desde la lógica de buenas prácticas. Metodología Estudio de sistematización de iniciativas y prácticas en salud sexual y reproductiva en atención primaria, entre junio de 2020 y noviembre de 2021. Fue desarrollado en tres fases metodológicas: revisión de documentos, recolección de experiencias a través de instrumento electrónico enviado a los 29 servicios de salud de Chile y entrevistas de profundización. Se realizó un mapeo y caracterización de las iniciativas y análisis crítico de discurso de narrativas y entrevistas, según criterios de buenas prácticas. Resultados Se identificaron 41 iniciativas de 19 servicios de salud, principalmente de la Macro Zona Centro- sur, urbanas y de reorganización de atención. Fueron prácticas pertinentes, alineadas a sus objetivos, con procesos rápidos de implementación, estrategias innovadoras, alto uso de tecnologías con escasa pertinencia intercultural ni evaluación. El éxito percibido se relacionó con motivación, liderazgo, y resiliencia institucional y comunitaria. La adaptabilidad de las iniciativas emergió como una nueva necesidad y criterio. Conclusión Son importantes los aprendizajes emanados de las iniciativas que invitan a considerar la salud mental de los equipos, su relación con la comunidad, el uso de tecnologías, la evaluación de las prácticas considerando satisfacción, enfoques transversales y la adaptabilidad de estas, para mejorar la respuesta de atención primaria en salud sexual y reproductiva ante nuevas crisis.

Sistematización de iniciativas en salud sexual y reproductiva según criterios de buenas prácticas en repuesta a la pandemia COVID-19 en la atención primaria en Chile / Systematization of initiatives in sexual and reproductive health about good practices criteria in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in primary health care in Chile

Introducción La pandemia de COVID- 19 ha implicado la discontinuidad de atención en salud sexual y reproductiva en Chile y el mundo. El foco en la contención hospitalaria de la pandemia llevó a los equipos de atención primaria a responder de manera innata y diversa. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y sistematizar iniciativas de salud sexual y reproductiva planteadas por equipos de atención primaria en respuesta a la pandemia COVID- 19 en Chile, con el fin de comprender y aprender de los factores involucrados en esta, para mejorar futuras respuestas desde la lógica de buenas prácticas. Metodología Estudio de sistematización de iniciativas y prácticas en salud sexual y reproductiva en atención primaria, entre junio de 2020 y noviembre de 2021. Fue desarrollado en tres fases metodológicas: revisión de documentos, recolección de experiencias a través de instrumento electrónico enviado a los 29 servicios de salud de Chile y entrevistas de profundización. Se realizó un mapeo y caracterización de las iniciativas y análisis crítico de discurso de narrativas y entrevistas, según criterios de buenas prácticas. Resultados Se identificaron 41 iniciativas de 19 servicios de salud, principalmente de la Macro Zona Centro- sur, urbanas y de reorganización de atención. Fueron prácticas pertinentes, alineadas a sus objetivos, con procesos rápidos de implementación, estrategias innovadoras, alto uso de tecnologías con escasa pertinencia intercultural ni evaluación. El éxito percibido se relacionó con motivación, liderazgo, y resiliencia institucional y comunitaria. La adaptabilidad de las iniciativas emergió como una nueva necesidad y criterio. Conclusión Son importantes los aprendizajes emanados de las iniciativas que invitan a considerar la salud mental de los equipos, su relación con la comunidad, el uso de tecnologías, la evaluación de las prácticas considerando satisfacción, enfoques transversales y la adaptabilidad de estas, para mejorar la respuesta de atención primaria en salud sexual y reproductiva ante nuevas crisis.

Introducción La pandemia de COVID- 19 ha implicado la discontinuidad de atención en salud sexual y reproductiva en Chile y el mundo. El foco en la contención hospitalaria de la pandemia llevó a los equipos de atención primaria a responder de manera innata y diversa. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y sistematizar iniciativas de salud sexual y reproductiva planteadas por equipos de atención primaria en respuesta a la pandemia COVID- 19 en Chile, con el fin de comprender y aprender de los factores involucrados en esta, para mejorar futuras respuestas desde la lógica de buenas prácticas. Metodología Estudio de sistematización de iniciativas y prácticas en salud sexual y reproductiva en atención primaria, entre junio de 2020 y noviembre de 2021. Fue desarrollado en tres fases metodológicas: revisión de documentos, recolección de experiencias a través de instrumento electrónico enviado a los 29 servicios de salud de Chile y entrevistas de profundización. Se realizó un mapeo y caracterización de las iniciativas y análisis crítico de discurso de narrativas y entrevistas, según criterios de buenas prácticas. Resultados Se identificaron 41 iniciativas de 19 servicios de salud, principalmente de la Macro Zona Centro- sur, urbanas y de reorganización de atención. Fueron prácticas pertinentes, alineadas a sus objetivos, con procesos rápidos de implementación, estrategias innovadoras, alto uso de tecnologías con escasa pertinencia intercultural ni evaluación. El éxito percibido se relacionó con motivación, liderazgo, y resiliencia institucional y comunitaria. La adaptabilidad de las iniciativas emergió como una nueva necesidad y criterio. Conclusión Son importantes los aprendizajes emanados de las iniciativas que invitan a considerar la salud mental de los equipos, su relación con la comunidad, el uso de tecnologías, la evaluación de las prácticas considerando satisfacción, enfoques transversales y la adaptabilidad de estas, para mejorar la respuesta de atención primaria en salud sexual y reproductiva ante nuevas crisis.

Telehealth for sexual and reproductive health issues: a qualitative study of experiences of accessing care during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Medicare, the health insurance system underpinning free healthcare in Australia, introduced free telehealth items in 2020 in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Their uptake among healthcare providers was significant, including among general practitioners and sexual health services. Here, we report people's experiences of accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH)-related care via telehealth collected as part of a survey exploring the impact of COVID on SRH health. METHODS: This study utilises qualitative data from two online surveys conducted in 2020. Surveys were advertised through social media and professional and personal networks. Anyone aged≥18years and living in Australia was eligible to participate. Respondents were asked whether they accessed care for their SRH via telehealth. A free-text question asking for further detail about their experience was analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 114/1070 respondents (10.7%) accessed healthcare services via telehealth for SRH-related reasons within the previous 4weeks. Three themes were identified from 78 free-text comments: (1) accessibility and convenience of telehealth; (2) appropriateness of telehealth for SRH issues; and (3) connecting and communicating with clinicians via telehealth. Respondents had a wide range of experiences. Telehealth improved access to services for some participants, and it was appropriate for some, but not all SRH issues. Difficulties connecting with clinicians on both an interpersonal and technical level was a key barrier to a satisfactory patient experience. CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth can offer a viable alternative to face-to-face care, providing patients can overcome key connection and communication barriers.

Reproductive Health and Coronavirus Disease 2019-Induced Economic Contracture: Lessons From the Great Recession.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has magnified disparities in care, including within reproductive health. There has been limited research on the implications of the financial calamity COVID-19 has precipitated on reproductive health, including restricted access to contraception and prenatal care, as well as adverse perinatal outcomes resulting from economic contracture. We therefore examined the Great Recession (the period of economic downturn from 2007-2009 also referred to as the 2008 recession) to discuss how the current financial difficulties may influence reproductive health now and in the years to come. The existing literature examining the impacts of economic downturn on reproductive health provides a resounding body of evidence supporting the need for state and federal investment in comprehensive reproductive health care. Policies directed at expanding access to programs such as Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children and Medicaid (WIC), extending Medicaid coverage to 12 months' postpartum, continuing coverage for telehealth services, and lowering barriers to access through mobile care units would help mitigate anticipated effects of a recession on reproductive health.

Diseases and Disparities: The Impact of COVID-19 Disruptions on Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among the HIV Community in India.

People with HIV navigate numerous challenges to access healthcare in India. The lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic presents further challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. This research explored the impact of the pandemic on SRH services, and the depth of disruptions faced by people living with HIV (PLHIV) in accessing treatment. Using purposive sampling with maximum variation technique, we recruited and conducted 150 telephonic in-depth interviews with PLHIV and HIV care providers (HCPs) from five states in India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana). The interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five main themes were identified: the effect of COVID-19 on (1) access to care, (2) quality of care, (3) social determinants of health, (4) system and community resilience, and (5) support required to address population-specific vulnerabilities. Despite the availability of free government treatment services during the pandemic, profound disruptions in the SRH services, particularly antiretroviral therapy and HIV care, were reported by PLHIV and HCPs. This qualitative study revealed how existing inequities in HIV treatment and care are exacerbated by the pandemic. These findings highlight that the pandemic response should be community-centered to prevent extreme disruptions in healthcare which will have a disastrous effect on the lives of PLHIV.

Initial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual and reproductive health service use and unmet need in Britain: findings from a quasi-representative survey (Natsal-COVID).

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service use and unmet need, but the impact is unknown. We aimed to determine the proportion of participants reporting sexual risk behaviours, SRH service use and unmet need, and to assess remote sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing service use after the first national lockdown in Britain. METHODS: We used data from the National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal)-COVID cross-sectional, quasi-representative web survey (Natsal-COVID Wave 1). Adults aged 18-59 years who resided in England, Scotland, or Wales completed the survey between July 29 and Aug 10, 2020, which included questions about the approximate 4-month period after announcement of the initial lockdown in Britain (March 23, 2020). Quota-based sampling and weighting were used to achieve a quasi-representative population sample. Participants aged 45-59 years were excluded from services analysis due to low rates of SRH service use. Among individuals aged 18-44 years, we estimated reported SRH service use and inability to access, and calculated age-adjusted odds ratios (aORs) among sexually experienced individuals (those reporting any sexual partner in their lifetime) and sexually active individuals (those reporting any sexual partner in the past year). Unweighted denominators and weighted estimates are presented hereafter. FINDINGS: 6654 individuals had complete interviews and were included in the analysis. Among 3758 participants aged 18-44 years, 82·0% reported being sexually experienced, and 73·7% reported being sexually active. 20·8% of sexually experienced participants aged 18-44 years reported using SRH services in the 4-month period. Overall, 9·7% of 3108 participants (9·5% of men; 9·9% of women) reported being unable to use a service they needed, although of the participants who reported trying but not being able to use a SRH service at least once, 76·4% of participants also reported an instance of successful use. 5·9% of 1221 sexually active men and 3·6% of 1560 sexually active women reported use of STI-related services and 14·8% of 1728 sexually experienced women reported use of contraceptive services, with SRH service use highest among individuals aged 18-24 years. Sexually active participants reporting condomless sex with new partners since lockdown were much more likely to report using STI-related services than those who did not report condomless sex (aOR 23·8 [95% CI 11·6-48·9]) for men, 10·5 [3·9-28·2] for women) and, among men, were also more likely to have an unsuccessful attempt at STI-service use (aOR 13·3 [5·3-32·9]). Among 106 individuals who reported using STI testing services, 64·4% accessed services remotely (telephone, video, or online). Among 2581 women aged 25-59 years, 2·4% reported cervical screening compared with an estimated 6% in a comparable 4-month period before the pandemic. INTERPRETATION: Many people accessed SRH care during the initial lockdown; however, young people and those reporting sexual risk behaviours reported difficulties in accessing services and thus such services might need to address a backlog of need. FUNDING: Wellcome Trust, The Economic and Social Research Council, The National Institute for Health Research, Medical Research Council/Chief Scientist Office and Public Health Sciences Unit, and UCL Coronavirus Response Fund.

COVID-19 and inequities in the Americas: lessons learned and implications for essential health services

[ABSTRACT]. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated social, economic, and health-related disparities, which disproportionately affect persons living in conditions of vulnerability. Such populations include ethnic groups who face discrimination and experience barriers to accessing comprehensive health care. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed these health disparities, and disruptions of essential health services have further widened the gaps in access to health care. Noncommunicable diseases are more prevalent among groups most impacted by poor social determinants of health and have been associated with an increased likelihood of severe COVID-19 disease and higher mortality. Disruptions in the provision of essential health services for noncommunicable diseases, mental health, communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and maternal and child health services (including sexual and reproductive health), are projected to also increase poor health outcomes. Other challenges have been an increased frequency of interpersonal violence and food insecurity. Countries in the Americas have responded to the disruptions caused by the pandemic by means of health service delivery through telemedicine and other digital solutions and stepping up social service support interventions. As vaccinations for COVID-19 create the opportunity to overcome the pandemic, countries must strengthen primary health care and essential health services with a view to ensuring equity, if the region is to achieve universal health coverage in fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

[RESUMEN]. La pandemia de COVID-19 ha acentuado las desigualdades sociales, económicas y relacionadas con la salud, que afectan desproporcionadamente a las personas en situación de vulnerabilidad. Esta población incluye grupos étnicos que se enfrentan a la discriminación y obstáculos para el acceso a la atención integral de salud. La pandemia de COVID-19 ha expuesto estas desigualdades de salud, y las interrupciones de los servicios esenciales de salud han ampliado aún más las brechas en el acceso a la atención de salud. Las enfermedades no transmisibles son más prevalentes en los grupos que han sufrido un mayor impacto de los determinantes sociales de la salud deficientes y se han asociado con una mayor probabilidad de presentar un cuadro grave de COVID-19 y una mayor mortalidad. Asimismo, se proyecta que las interrupciones en la prestación de servicios esenciales de salud para las enfermedades no transmisibles, la salud mental, las enfermedades transmisibles como la infección por el VIH, la tuberculosis y la malaria, y los servicios de salud maternoinfantil (como la salud sexual y reproductiva) incrementen los resultados deficientes en materia de salud. Otros retos son una mayor frecuencia de la violencia interpersonal y la inseguridad alimentaria. Los países de la Región de las Américas han respondido a las interrupciones causadas por la pandemia con la prestación de servicios de salud mediante la telemedicina y otras soluciones digitales, y la aceleración de las intervenciones de apoyo de los servicios sociales. A medida que la vacunación contra la COVID-19 crea la oportunidad de superar la pandemia, los países deben fortalecer su atención primaria de salud y sus servicios de salud esenciales a fin de garantizar la equidad, para que la Región logre la cobertura universal de salud en cumplimiento de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible.

[RESUMO]. A pandemia de COVID-19 exacerbou as disparidades sociais, econômicas e as relacionadas à saúde, que afetam de maneira desproporcional as pessoas que vivem em situação de vulnerabilidade. Essas populações incluem grupos étnicos que enfrentam discriminação e barreiras para o acesso à atenção integral à saúde. A pandemia de COVID-19 expôs essas disparidades, e as interrupções nos serviços essenciais de saúde ampliaram ainda mais as lacunas no acesso aos cuidados de saúde. As doenças não transmissíveis são mais prevalentes entre os grupos mais afetados por determinantes sociais da saúde deficientes e estão associadas a um aumento na probabilidade de doença grave pela COVID-19 e mortalidade mais elevada. Prevê-se que as interrupções na prestação de serviços essenciais de saúde para doenças não transmissíveis, saúde mental, doenças transmissíveis como HIV, tuberculose e malária, bem como dos serviços de saúde materno-infantil (incluindo saúde sexual e reprodutiva) também aumentem os desfechos adversos de saúde. Outros desafios são o aumento da frequência da violência interpessoal e insegurança alimentar. Os países das Américas responderam às interrupções causadas pela pandemia com a prestação de serviços de saúde por meio da telemedicina e outras soluções digitais, e a aceleração de intervenções de apoio dos serviços sociais. À medida em que a vacinação contra a COVID-19 oferece a oportunidade de superar a pandemia, os países devem fortalecer a atenção primária à saúde e os serviços essenciais de saúde com o objetivo de garantir a equidade, para que a região atinja a cobertura universal de saúde em cumprimento aos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável.

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal [2021; Vol.27, Issue 12] / [المجلة الصحية لشرق المتوسط [2021; المجلد 27 , العدد 12

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal is the official health journal published by the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of the World Health Organization. It is a forum for the presentation and promotion of new policies and initiatives in health services; and for the exchange of ideas concepts epidemiological data research findings and other information with special reference to the Eastern Mediterranean Region. It addresses all members of the health profession medical and other health educational institutes interested NGOs WHO Collaborating Centres and individuals within and outside the Region

المجلة الصحية لشرق المتوسط هى المجلة الرسمية التى تصدرعن المكتب الاقليمى لشرق المتوسط بمنظمة الصحة العالمية. وهى منبر لتقديم السياسات والمبادرات الجديدة فى الصحة العامة والخدمات الصحية والترويج لها، و لتبادل الاراء و المفاهيم والمعطيات الوبائية ونتائج الابحاث وغير ذلك من المعلومات، و خاصة ما يتعلق منها باقليم شرق المتوسط. وهى موجهة الى كل اعضاء المهن الصحية، والكليات الطبية وسائر المعاهد التعليمية، و كذا المنظمات غير الحكومية المعنية، والمراكز المتعاونة مع منظمة الصحة العالمية والافراد المهتمين بالصحة فى الاقليم و خارجه

La Revue de Santé de la Méditerranée Orientale est une revue de santé officielle publiée par le Bureau régional de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé pour la Méditerranée orientale. Elle offre une tribune pour la présentation et la promotion de nouvelles politiques et initiatives dans le domaine de la santé publique et des services de santé ainsi qu’à l’échange d’idées de concepts de données épidémiologiques de résultats de recherches et d’autres informations se rapportant plus particulièrement à la Région de la Méditerranée orientale. Elle s’adresse à tous les professionnels de la santé aux membres des instituts médicaux et autres instituts de formation médico-sanitaire aux ONG Centres collaborateurs de l’OMS et personnes concernés au sein et hors de la Région

Salud sexual y reproductiva en tiempos del COVID-19: accesibilidad de mujeres sordas y con discapacidad auditiva / Access of chilean deaf women to healthcare information and reproductive care

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic threatened the accessibility and response of healthcare systems worldwide. People with disabilities face specific access challenges to healthcare services and to healthcare information in accessible formats. Aim: To explore how deaf women acceded to information and sexual and reproductive health care during the first wave of COVID-19. Material and Methods: Sixty-one women with a median age of 32 years diagnosed with deafness and hearing loss were surveyed using an online questionnaire about access to healthcare information and midwifery care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Forty-nine percent of respondents lived in the Metropolitan Region. Sixty-eight percent of respondents mentioned that information about COVID-19 was not accessible for them. The main source of information that they used to learn about the pandemic were videos made by deaf people available on the internet. Seventy-five percent of women reported that they had not received accessible information about sexual and reproductive health, and 70.0% of women requiring midwife care could not book an appointment. Conclusions: The pandemic generated a crisis in the Chilean healthcare system that demands a new strategy to ensure people's healthcare access. People with disabilities such as those herein studied are marginalized when these new policies are being discussed and implemented. Decision-makers and sexual and reproductive health services must improve their strategies to allow women with disabilities, particularly deaf women gain access.