09 August 2021
Women’s reproductive and sexual health rights: The impact of the pandemic has been felt on many levels. First of all, according to WHO, in 7 out of 10 countries family planning and birth control have been severely disrupted. According to UNFPA, 47 million women in low and middle income countries are unable to access contraceptives. Furthermore, contraceptive supply chains have been disrupted by confinement measures as has the ability to access health facilities. School closure expose girls amongst others to high-risk teenage pregnancy. The pandemic has also increased gender-based violence.
Guttmacher Institute estimates that there were, “in 2020, 218 million women with unmet need for modern birth control method, 111 million unintended pregnancies, 30 million unplanned births and 35 million unsafe abortions (in) low- and middle-income countries” – more than those affected by COVID-19.
The article’s authors conclude that “(s)exual and reproductive health and rights must become a global priority” and make some further recommendations how this should happen.
https://theconversation.com/covid-19-caused-a-global-setback-in-reproductive-and-sexual-health-rights-especially-for-women-164844
08 August 2021
Environment/Uganda: According to the UN, more than 80% of developing countries have begun formulating and implementing their national adaptation plans to climate change. Yet such adaptation is often low on the agenda. In Uganda, communities in the Rwenzori region trying to protect themselves from landslides and floods by digging trenches and planting trees, helping to prevent soil erosion, have often not been successful – extreme weather events increasingly proving works based on soil conservation useless. According to a study by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IEED), “46 of the world's least-developed countries don't have the financial means to ‘climate proof’ themselves”. 40bn USD a year would be needed for these 46 countries’ adaptation plans, yet only 5.9bn USD have been received between 2014 and 2018. Promises of aid by rich countries have been largely unkept.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-58080083
Zimbabwe/Child Marriage: On 15th of July, Memory Machaya, forced to leave school to get married, died during childbirth, aged 14. “An online petition calling for ‘justice for Memory Machaya’ has so far received more than 57,000 signatures” and the death is being investigated by police. The UN urges the government “to recognise child marriage as a crime and bring an end to the practice”. In Zimbabwe, 18 is the minimum legal age for marriage (while 16 is the age of sexual consent).
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58130891