Expert Decry Disruption in Reproductive Health Services during Covid Lockdown

It has been observed that disruption of supply chains of contraceptive commodities occasioned by the closure of health clinics providing Family Planning (FP) information, counselling, and public fear about visiting health facilities due to Covid lockdown is likely to ruin the gains in the uptake of modern FP methods in the country.

This assertion was contained in paper presentation titled, “Why Access to Contraception is Critical in Covid-19 Response” by Professor Josiah Mutihir during a virtual meeting of stakeholders in Family Planning and Reproductive Health Services.

Professor Mutihir further assert that family planning is a life-saving intervention mitigating increased morbidity and mortality resulting from unintended pregnancies.

“Families are compelled to stay home, day and night for periods of between 1 to 12 weeks depending of the country or state. This has brought the husband and wife or spouses face to face for long periods. Idleness has set in, and increased sexual desires and activity result.

“Where the woman is not protected, unwanted pregnancy is the likely outcome in most instances where the woman is still in the reproductive age and is not on any method of contraception.

The public health expert also emphasised that a 10% decline in the use of contraceptive methods would result in additional 49 million women with unmet need for FP, and 15 million unintended pregnancies within the course of the year.

While proffering a way forward amidst the lockdown period, Mutihir pointed out that adequate and clear information for the public on family planning methods, using Telehealth should be encouraged.

He also suggested that a public enlightenment campaign mentioning the availability of Contraceptive Methods being available at the Pharmacies should be develop.

“Relevant authorities should put ACESSING family planning services as Essential Service and therefore should be on the exemption list for restricted movements during the lockdown period”.

Professor Mutihir further suggested that Family planning clinics to re-open and treated as essential service, and clients seeking FP be allowed unfettered access.

The virtual meeting of the stakeholders, organized by Development Communications (DevComs) Network, attracted participants from Network of Media Practitioners in Public Health , DevCom Personnel, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) project Coordinator in Bauchi State and other relevant stakeholders in reproductive health service.