Impact of the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Coverage of Reproductive, Maternal, and Newborn Health Interventions in Ethiopia: A Natural Experiment

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.778413
• Publication Date: 2022-06-23T08:22:29Z
• Authors: Emily D. Carter; Linnea Zimmerman; Jiage Qian; Tim Roberton; Assefa Seme; Solomon Shiferaw
• Keywords: Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Background The COVID-19 pandemic and response have the potential to disrupt access use of reproductive, maternal, newborn health (RMNH) services. Numerous initiatives aim gauge indirect impact on RMNH. Methods We assessed RMNH coverage in early stages using panel survey data from PMA-Ethiopia. Enrolled pregnant women were surveyed 6-weeks post-birth. compared odds service receipt, RMNCH indicators, outcomes within cohort who gave birth prior affected cohort. calculated impacts nationally by urbanicity. Results This dataset shows little disruption services Ethiopia initial months pandemic. There no significant reductions seeking or content they received for either preventative curative interventions. In rural areas, a greater proportion sought care peripartum complications, ANC, PNC, sick newborns. Significant BCG vaccination chlorohexidine urban areas observed An increased Addis Ababa reported postpartum family planning Despite lack evidence reduced services, suggest stillbirths Discussion government Ethiopia's control ensure continuity essential appears successfully averted most negative maternal neonatal care. analysis cannot address later effects may not capture more acute geographically isolated coverage. Continued efforts are needed that maintained even strengthened prevent loss life.