Eghtessadi R, Mukandavire Z, Mutenherwa F, Cuadros D, Musuka G.
Int J Infect Dis. 2020 Sep 10:S1201-9712(20)30725-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.08.086. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32920231.
Abstract
We outline the role of African Civil Society in safeguarding gains registered to date in the sexual and reproductive health and HIV response. We make a case why civil society organizations (CSOs) must vigilantly be engaged in the COVID-19 response in Africa. Lockdown disruptions, and rerouting of health funds to the pandemic, have impeded access to essential Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), and social protection services. Compounded by pre-existing inequalities faced by vulnerable populations, poor SRH outcomes amid COVID-19 calls for CSOs’ intensified demand on accountability of Governments. CSOs also rapidly close community-health facility gaps and provide safety-nets to mitigate the COVID-19 gendered impact.
