Under Uganda’s COVID-19 lockdown, contraceptives and other reproductive health supplies have been in short supply. UNFPA, with partners, make these items available through a popular ride-hailing app.

For nearly three decades, Ukraine has seen a steady decline in its population numbers. To address the issue, the government in partnership with UNOPS and UNICEF, launched a pilot project to provide the families of new-borns with a one-time ‘baby box’ that contains a range of essential items for infants. The provision of baby boxes helps ensure equal access to early childcare products based on universally accepted standards, during the critical first weeks of a child’s life.

As COVID-19 takes a staggering toll on people, communities and economies everywhere, not everyone is affected equally. Women, who account for the largest share of front-line health workers, are disproportionately exposed to the coronavirus. As countries are on lockdown and health systems struggle to cope, sexual and reproductive health services are being side-lined and gender-based violence is on the rise. On 11 July, World Population Day, the United Nations aims to raise awareness about the sexual and reproductive health needs and vulnerabilities of women and girls during the pandemic.

Twenty-five years ago, at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the world agreed that sexual and reproductive health is a human right, that no mother should die while giving life, and that gender-based violence and discrimination have no place in our world. From 12-14 November, governments, advocates, health organizations and others will gather at the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25, to mobilize the political will and financial commitments to advance the goals of the ICPD and secure the rights and dignity of all.