Communications Update

COVID-19 is more than a direct health threat to the world. It is a health crisis across every setting and for every provider, and that includes sexual and reproductive healthcare. The indirect consequences are proving at least as great as the impact of the virus itself. They are also likely to last far longer than the pandemic, and that includes the threat to SRHR.

So, it’s crucial that we raise awareness of the need for, and the current risks to, SRHR to governments and decisionmakers, donors, civil society and public supporters, as well as throughout our Federation.

That’s the role of Communications through this crisis and my concern as a member of the IPPF COVID-19 Taskforce and IPPF’s Director of Communications.

We have already seen the impact that illness and restrictions on travel and access are having on service provision by members across the Federation. Many members have had to close service delivery points, including static clinics, and are concerned about the ongoing availability of commodities and personal protective equipment, or PPE. COVID-19 is hampering advocacy efforts, with civil space shrinking as meetings are cancelled and legislative sessions postponed. Evidence shows that confinement leads to increases in unintended pregnancies and gender-based violence.

To ensure that sexual and reproductive health remains on the agenda, we are doing everything we can to draw attention to the expected and real impact of COVID-19 on SRHR, while reinforcing that now more than ever support for women and girls is needed.

We have already seen a very positive response to our communications. Our news release on the early impacts of COVID-19 on Member Associations across the Federation featured in more than 490 news publications around the world, which between them have a monthly online reach of more than 1 billion readers. The stories we’ve shared on social media in our COVID-19 Impact series have been some of our most popular posts to date. There is clearly a large appetite for content on sexual and reproductive health and the gendered impacts of this pandemic. The Microsite and slack channel have been invaluable to share news throughout the Federation. Please do continue to engage with each other and the Taskforce through these channels.

In addition to the risks to the provision of SRHR, there is also an unprecedented necessity and opportunity to advance SRHR and modernise IPPF’s operating model. With more and more healthcare providers transforming the way they engage with clients and communities, IPPF members are realising and responding to existing and growing demand for more client-centred care.

Throughout this crisis, we will do our best to showcase the lifesaving services, education and advocacy that IPPF members deliver. Our aim is not only to strengthen support for our work in the immediate term, but to take this chance to raise awareness of the need for SRHR now and always. The Communications team is always on the look-out for inspiring stories from members that showcase the vital work you all do. If you would like to contribute to that, please do get in touch with me directly or through info@ippf.org. We will be delighted to hear from you.

In solidarity,

Marek Pruszewicz

Global Director of Communications