What you need to know
The COVID-19 pandemic constitutes the largest global public health crisis in a century, with daunting health and socioeconomic challenges. Governments are taking unprecedented measures to limit the spread of the virus, ramping up health systems and restricting the movement of millions.
The pandemic has already severely disrupted access to life-saving sexual and reproductive health services. It is worsening existing inequalities for women and girls, and deepening discrimination against marginalized groups. Sexual and reproductive health and rights is a significant public health issue that demands urgent and sustained attention and investment.
In Lao PDR, the government has taken COVID-19 prevention control and response applying measures such as lockdowns and zone classification by village to control and prevent the outbreak in the country. Whilst containing the virus and ensuring safety, the restriction of movement results in the disruption of sexual and reproductive health services including family planning, and may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy and gender-based violence. Other impacts include anxiety and mental health and psychosocial issues among adolescents and young people, a drop in school attendance, and a rise in unemployment including other social and economic impacts.
