Disruptions and Adaptations: The Effects of COVID-19 on Contraceptive Services across the Humanitarian-Development Nexus
Format
Introduction
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Two weeks later, on March 25, the United Nations (UN) launched the Global Humanitarian Response Plan for COVID-19, issuing a $2.01 billon appeal to combat COVID-19 in the world’s most vulnerable countries. At the time the response plan and appeal were released, COVID-19 was already wreaking havoc in the world’s wealthiest countries, and poised to devastate countries facing fragility and crises, and exacerbate already critical humanitarian needs on a global scale.
Contraception is lifesaving, and is a priority health service in emergencies as detailed in the 2018 Minimum Initial Services Package (MISP) for sexual and reproductive health (SRH). It should be made available at the outset of every emergency response, including epidemics and pandemics. Facing
General Assembly Adopts 4 Humanitarian Aid Resolutions, as Delegates Brace for COVID-19’s Broader Impact amid Threat of Famine, Economic Hardship
Format
SEVENTY-FIFTH SESSION, 42ND & 43RD MEETINGS (AM & PM)
The General Assembly adopted four humanitarian-focused resolutions today, with delegates warning of ever-growing challenges in 2021 as the broader effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic including prolonged economic hardship and threat of major famine begin to take hold.
Volkan Bozkir (Turkey), President of the General Assembly, in opening remarks, cited the Global Humanitarian Overview 2021, released earlier this month by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, saying that 235 million people will need humanitarian assistance and protection in 2021. As the pandemic continues, he added, the international community must also urgently prepare for the possibility of famine.
Global Humanitarian Overview 2021 [EN/AR/FR/ES]
Format
PEOPLE TARGETED - 160 M
Section one: Global trends
COVID-19 has triggered the deepest global recession since the 1930s. Extreme poverty has risen for the first time in 22 years, and unemployment has increased dramatically. Women and young people aged 15 – 29 working in the informal sector are being hit the hardest. School closures have affected 91 per cent of students worldwide.
Political conflicts are more intense and taking a heavy toll on civilians, disproportionately affecting children. Women and girls are at increased risk of conflict-related sexual violence. Attacks against aid and health workers persist. For the ninth consecutive year, more than 90 per cent of casualties from explosive weapons in populated areas were civilians.