Webinar: Impact of Public Health Emergencies (PHEs) on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Services in Africa [30 October 2025]

Why participate?

Public health emergencies in Africa, such as Ebola, floods, hurricanes, and most recently COVID-19, have severely disrupted access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services.

Fragile health systems were overwhelmed, with scarce resources and personnel diverted away from essential care, including maternal health, contraception, safe abortion, and HIV services. This led to heightened risks of maternal mortality, unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and gender-based violence.

Vulnerable women, adolescents, young people, and other marginalised groups bore a disproportionate burden as emergency measures deepened existing structural inequalities and barriers to care. Lockdowns, supply chain breakdowns, and the designation of SRHR as “non-essential” in some countries further restricted access to critical services.

The public health crises also created space for innovation. Community-based service delivery and digital health platforms emerged as alternatives, demonstrating potential for stronger, more resilient systems if scaled and integrated into long-term planning.

Understanding the impact of public health emergencies on SRHR services is vital for building inclusive, rights-based, and resilient health systems in Africa. Safeguarding SRHR during public health crises ensures that vulnerable populations are not left behind, remain central to preparedness and response strategies, and that continuity of care is sustained.

Discussion Highlights:

• What are the State obligations to realise SRHR during public health emergencies?
• How is access to abortion and contraceptive services affected during times of public health crises?
• What are the impacts of public health emergencies on healthcare workers and SRHR services?
• How do natural disasters affect people's ability to enjoy SRHR?

Facilitator: Favour Akanbi, Dullah Omar Institute, University of the Western Cape

Welcome and Introduction: Prof Ebenezer Durojaye, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria

Panelists:

• Godfrey Kangaude – Nyale Institute, Malawi
• Roopanand Amar Mahadew – University of Mauritius
• Adetoun Adebanjo – Independent Legal Researcher, Australia
• Patience Ndlovu – Independent Legal Researcher, South Africa

Questions & Answers

Closing Remarks: Gladys Mirugi-Mukundi, Dullah Omar Institute, University of the Western Cape

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We gratefully acknowledge AmplifyChange for making this webinar possible.