Natalia Kanem, executive director of the UN Population Fund, is among experts warning about disrupted health services and a surge in gender-based violence. As the Covid-19 pandemic accelerates, fears are increasing about the effect of the pandemic on women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and their access to care.

The Lancet reported her concerns in detail, and everyone should take note of those. As the pandemic spread, many countries implemented tough lockdowns and travel restrictions in a bid to slow transmission. In doing so, some governments did not heed WHO’s advice and instead forced sexual and reproductive health services to close because these services were not classified as essential.

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