As the world battles with containing the continued spread of Covid-19 by imposing lockdowns and social distancing, there is a great risk of a further reduction in access to sexual and reproductive health rights services in Africa. The lockdowns and restrictions in movement have resulted in increased reports of domestic violence and disruptions in access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) services.
Globally there has been a noted reduction on SRHR services and support with limited or unavailability of condoms, contraceptives, HIV testing and treatment. Africa, in particular, before the virus has been struggling with implementation of Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063 and the Maputo Protocol, key developmental instruments on gender equality. While the number of people infected and dying of the virus on the continent has been significantly lower in comparison to the rest of the world, however, the socio-economic effects will act as drivers for poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
Young people, who year after year continue to be the most marginalized population, are faced with their own challenge, that of a gloomy future as economists predict major job losses in the coming months. This on top of the 13,4 million young people, already grappling unemployment on the continent. Such unavoidable job losses on the continent, are bound to leave young people in very precarious conditions and will certainly increase their chances of being involved in risky behaviors such as transactional sex, just to put food on the table. Subsequently, there is bound to be an increase in teenage pregnancies and HlV infections in the coming months, especially among child and youth-headed homes.
Speaking at a Webinar that was organised by the Graça Machel Trust on the impact of the novel Coronavirus on SRHR in Africa that took place on 20 May 2020 themed the Approaches to ensure continuation of SRHR amidst COVID-19 & Beyond, the Executive Director of SRHR Africa Trust (SAT), Jonathan Gunthorp noted that the virus has already take attention away from other healthcare challenges. He said, âThe situation is going to get worse when more people get infected and health facilities will become dangerous and women will not be able to access SHRH services.
This Webinar sparked interesting conversations from our partners in the sexual reproductive health and rights sector and was moderated by Levi Singh from AfriYAN and a Youth representative of SRHR AIDS Trust. The speakers in the panel included Jonathan Gunthorp of SRHR AIDS Trust,  Chivuli Ukwimi  of Hivos Southern Africa, Juliette Kimotho  of FAWE, Joseph Maniragena of African Monitor and Dr Lamboly Kumboneki  of the SADC Secretariat. To catch up on the webinar, Watch here .
The Trust supports and mobilises civil society networks on issues of ending child marriage, ending violence against children, ending female genital mutilation and promoting childrenâs rights, to carry out advocacy and action across Africa. Special focus is placed on Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia where child marriage continues to be a problem largely driven by poverty, gender inequality, harmful traditional practices, conflict, low levels of literacy, limited opportunities for girls and weak or non-existent protective and preventive legal frameworks.
Education is a fundamental right for all children, which is also a vehicle for social, economic and political transformation in communities, countries and the African continent at large. Recent studies indicate a lack of progress in some of the critical commitments aimed at improving education quality, access, retention and achievement, particularly for girls. In most African countries, girls may face barriers to learning, especially when they reach post-primary levels of education. By implementing multi-dimensional approaches to education which includes core education, personal development, life skills and economic competencies, the Trust partners with funding partners, governments, civil societies and the private sector to improve education access.
The Nutrition and Reproductive, Maternal, New-born, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition, (RMNCAH+N) of the Childrenâs Rights and Development Programme aims at promoting the Global Strategy for women, children and adolescentsâ health within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda. The strategy emphasises on the importance of effective country leadership as a common factor across countries making progress in improving the health of women, children and adolescents.
Through its Early Childhood Development (ECD) plan, The Trust will seek to put into action the new science and evidence Report that was presented by Lancet Series on Good and early development – the right of every child. This will be achieved by mobilising like-minded partners to contribute in the new science and evidence to reach all young children with ECD. The Trustâs goal is to be a catalyst for doing things differently, in particular, to rid fragmentation and lack of coordination across ECD sectors. In response to evidence showing the importance of political will in turning the tide against the current poor access and quality of ECD. Even before conception, starting with a motherâs health and social economic conditions, the early years of a childâs life form a fundamental foundation that determines whether a child will survive and thrive optimally.