Background/ Context

Coronavirus infection was first detected in China’s Hubei Province in late December 2019, and the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has since spread to almost every country and health actors have confirmed more than 40 million cases as of October 21st.

Numbers are expected to continue rising exponentially in the coming days, weeks, and months. Initial research indicates that older persons are most likely to suffer serious complications from COVID-19. Regardless, all vulnerable populations will experience COVID-19 outbreaks differently. Until recently, the transmission of COVID-19 in developing countries or those experiencing ongoing humanitarian emergencies had been limited, but such transmission is now occurring very fast affecting millions of people all over the world. The impacts COVID-19 has had on health outcomes and global economy is unprecedented. Lack of resources to face the unexpected pandemic and fragile settings pose particular challenges for the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Access constraints and poor health and sanitation infrastructure are obstacles to disease prevention and treatment under the best of circumstances; when coupled with gender inequality and, in some cases, insecurity, public health responses become immeasurably more complex. Especially in limited resource and fragile settings, there have been noted disruption and limited access to sexual and reproductive health as efforts to contain COVID19 has diverted resources from routine health services including maternal healthcare and contraceptives. Adolescents have particular needs in this regard. Furthermore, critical needs include access to clean and safe delivery services, particularly for treatment in complications in pregnancy, treatment of STIs, availability of contraception, and provisions for clinical management of SGBV. Women and girls also have the critical need to maintain proper menstrual and personal hygiene and access to mental health support to minimize negative health outcomes.

 In Sri Lanka, the first cluster of COVID 19 was reported from returnees from other countries including locals and foreigners, the second cluster was identified within Naval force Officials including their closed contacts and the third cluster was identified within quarantine center in Kandakadu including the closed contacts. These all three clusters were developed from early March to July 2020 and the country was completely and partially lockdown during the time period. The MA, FPA-SL has initiated conducted SPRINT III emergency response, which has focused on the menstrual hygiene, personal hygiene and online psychological support for SRH needs including SGBV of marginalized and underserved communities during the outbreak with the funding of DFAT, Australia and technical support from IPPF Humanitarian Hub. In August and September, the country returned to a normal state as cases were reported only from returnees from other countries. In early October a fourth cluster was identified from employees of a garment factory (private) in Munuwangoda, Gampaha district and this area is under lockdown at the moment. Up to the date the new cluster was developed as 1,898 cases and number inwards as 1984. Another 313 cases have been reported which is not related to this cluster. (Situation report on 17/10/20 by epidemiology unit, Ministry of Health). Approximately, 10 000 people in the quarantine centers all over the country including the employees of the factory concerned, their families, and close contacts. With these developments in the country situation, MA is providing online services as Clinics/ service delivery points were closed with the emergence of the cluster in the Industrial sector.

Key Activities 

1. Online SRH counselling service: 25 districts

2. Clients follow up, counselling and referrals by SDP: Koggala, Wathuptiwala, Seethawaka (these three SDP is located in export processing zones including garment factories), Nuwaraeliya, Ampara, Batticaloa

3. Sanitary napkins distribution: all quarantine centres

4. COVID 19 Hygiene Kit distribution: 5,000 women and girls at reproductive age in quarantine centres

5. PPE supply for 7 clinics of MA: 3,000 clients (1,000 per month including 6 SDP's and clinic in Colombo)