Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and rights are critical to overall public health, but often do not receive the necessary attention during times of crisis and emergency situations. The restrictions imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 disrupted access to sexual and reproductive health services for millions, particularly for pregnant women, lactating mothers and young women. The pandemic also worsened existing gender equalities, led to an increase in gender-based violence and discrimination, besides creating several new barriers for already marginalised and vulnerable population groups.

UNFPA remains committed to its three transformative results and under The Global Response Plan (in June 2020), three strategies were prioritised in alignment with these results. Guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its central promise to 'leave no one behind', UNFPA India's response to COVID-19 is fully aligned with the UN Framework for the immediate Socio-economic Response to COVID-19. UNFPA India is supporting three pillars of the framework: Health First; Protecting People; and, Social Cohesion and Community Resilience to protect and ensure the rights, choices and needs of people during the pandemic.

Please click here to read our COVID-19 response situation report 2021 (January - August).

Please click here to read the 2020 Annual Report highlighting our COVID-19 response.