SRHM themed issue, Universal Health Coverage: sexual and reproductive rights in focus explores the promises and limitations of universal health coverage for sexual and reproductive health and rights, with special attention to rights-based perspectives.
THE BELOW IS TAKEN FROM COVERAGE OF THE SRHM ISSUE IN THE WHO NEWSROOM
When sexual and reproductive health services are integrated into universal health coverage, all people, everywhere, can get the quality care they need without financial hardship.
“Every individual on the planet has sexual and reproductive health needs, which change throughout their lives,” said Ian Askew, Director of the WHO Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, including the UN Special Programme HRP.
COVID-19 has disrupted delivery of essential health services in many countries and stretched resources to the limits.
However, it has also show that long-term investment in primary care and public health functions can build a resilient health system; one that continues to provide people with the health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.
Universal Health Coverage: Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Focus, a new supplement published in Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters (SRHM), shows that when it comes to this global commitment, countries are at different stages of progress: towards UHC generally, and comprehensive, rights-based sexual and reproductive health services specifically.
Ministries of health are increasingly focusing on sets of services that can be realistically financed and delivered to meet a particular population need.