COVID-19 Pandemic Disrupts Contraceptive Services in Africa

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the provision of sexual and reproductive health services in Africa, including contraceptive and family planning services. Researchers conducted a multi-country study in India, Nigeria, and Tanzania to assess the impact of the pandemic on the health system's capacity to provide contraceptive services. The study found that clients at primary health care facilities faced numerous challenges in accessing contraceptive services, including a shortage of health workers, stockouts of contraceptives, and socio-cultural issues.

Key Takeaways:

• 644 clients seeking contraceptive services were interviewed across 11, 6, and 33 primary health facilities in India, Nigeria, and Tanzania, respectively.
• 44 focus group discussions and 128 in-depth interviews were conducted with clients at the facility and within the community.
• The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the provision of contraceptive services, with clients facing challenges in accessing these services due to a shortage of health workers, stockouts of contraceptives, and socio-cultural issues.
• The World Health Organization recommends that ministries of health establish functional emergency preparedness plans across all healthcare levels to prioritize the availability of contraceptives and skilled health providers.
• Utilizing e-health can help keep communities informed on where, how, and when to avail FP services during emergencies.
• Health educational programs should actively engage men to gain further support.

Statistics:

• 644 clients were interviewed in total.
• 44 focus group discussions and 128 in-depth interviews were conducted.
• 644 clients sought contraceptive services across 50 primary health facilities in three countries.
• 44 focus group discussions and 128 in-depth interviews were conducted with clients at the facility and within the community.

Sources:

• "Access to contraceptive services during the COVID-19 pandemic: clients' perspective at primary health care level from India, Nigeria and Tanzania." Bmc, Campus, 4 Crinan St, London N1 9XW, England.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2025). Studies from World Health Organization (WHO) Provide New Data on COVID-19 (Access to contraceptive services during the COVID-19 pandemic: clients' perspective at primary health care level from India, Nigeria and Tanzania). Bioterrorism Week, 202, 2025.