Like other regions, the impact of the pandemic in South Asia on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, and commodities, including those related to contraception and menstrual health is immense. Because of social distancing, lockdown, and controlled mobility there has been an increase in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Individuals from vulnerable groups including LGBTQI+, refugees, migrants, people living with disabilities, elderly, adolescents young people and those living in conditions of extreme poverty are worst affected.

Acting on the urgency to ensure sustainability of regular MAs activities, IPPF SARO promptly designed a bridging fund for business continuity. This bridging fund was created from the underutilised Designated Restricted Funds of the region. Forecasting an impact of COVID-19 on SARO, Photo credit: Rahnuma Family Planning Association of Pakistan 6 IPPF South Asia Region Business Continuity Funds Report the decision was made to utilize the budgets of staff identified activities-- which could not be undertaken this year due to pandemic-- for supporting business continuation for MAs.

Read the full report here: https://ippfsar.org/sites/ippfsar/files/2020-08/Final%20-%20IPPF%20-%20BCF%20-%20Narrative%20Report.pdf