Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41261430›Full record

ArticleReproductive health2025

Evidence on sexual and reproductive health service delivery during and post COVID-19: a multi-country facility assessment.

Moazzam Ali, Grace Kapustianyk, Armando Humberto Seuc, WHO HRP Social Science Research Team

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Reproductive health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Moazzam AliWHO Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. alimoa@who.int.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6949-8976
Grace KapustianykWHO Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
Armando Humberto SeucInstituto Nacional de HigieneEpidemiología y Microbiología, Infanta, 1158 E/Clavel y Llinas, Centro Habana, La Habana, Cuba.
WHO HRP Social Science Research Team

Funding

World Health Organization 001
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted global health systems, and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) were among the services often receiving less priority compared to other urgent health needs. Anticipated disruptions included limited access to contraception, abortion care, sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention, and gender-based violence (GBV) support, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the availability, readiness, and recovery of SRH services during and after the pandemic across nine countries.

methodsThis repeated cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was implemented in collaboration with national Ministries of Health across nine countries: Brazil, Burkina Faso, China, England, Ghana, Italy, Kenya, Pakistan, and Thailand. Data were collected from health facilities and SRH clients at two time points: during peak COVID-19 transmission and post-pandemic. Standardized facility assessments and client interviews were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression models. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions in selected countries to explore service disruptions, health system adaptations, and psychosocial impacts. Thematic analysis identified context-specific challenges and coping strategies.

resultsOf 4,346 clients interviewed, 2,292 from seven countries were included in the final analysis. Post-pandemic improvements were modest, with gains in STI testing and GBV response training. Family planning and abortion services showed minimal recovery. Systemic vulnerabilities such as outpatient closures, staff shortages, and supply chain failures contributed to service disruptions. Facilities adopted resilience strategies including telemedicine, task shifting, and triaging. Qualitative findings revealed emotional strain among healthcare providers, stigma, and informal coping mechanisms, underscoring the need for integrated mental health support and flexible service delivery models.

conclusionThe pandemic exposed critical weaknesses in SRH service delivery but also highlighted opportunities for strengthening health system resilience. Integrating qualitative insights enhances understanding of lived experiences and local innovations, essential for building adaptable and accessible SRH systems. Sustained investment in workforce support, supply chains, and context-specific service models is vital for future health emergency preparedness.

Indexed as

COVID-19Delivery of Health CareReproductive Health ServicesAdultCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHealth Services AccessibilityHumansPandemicsPublic Health InfrastructureSARS-CoV-2Sexual HealthCOVID-19 pandemicHealth systems resilienceMixed-methodsMulti-country studyService disruptionSexual and reproductive health

Identifiers

PMID41261430
PMCPMC12632035

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.