In view of the possible risk of disruption of SRMNCAH services owing to the increased demands on the health system in the South and South-East Asia and Pacific countries following the COVID-19 pandemic, there was discussion in the H6 Regional Working Group to prepare a generic guidance for countries to plan for continuity of essential SRMNCAH services in the regions. WHO-SEARO, and regional offices of UNFPA (APRO) and UNICEF (ROSA and EAPRO) collaborated to develop a joint Regional Operative Guidance on SRMNCAH Service Provision during COVID-19.
- Continuing essential Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health services during COVID-19 pandemic provides high-level recommendations to countries for continuing good quality and equitable sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Continuing essential Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health services during COVID-19 pandemic: Practical Considerations provides more detailed and practical guidance for continuing services for each life stage across the life-course continuum. As such, both documents should be read and used together. The countries in the South-East Asia, Asia and Pacific Regions would like to adapt the guidance within the national and sub-national continuity plans, based on the local situation of COVID transmission, containment response and health system capacity.
