Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease which typically occurs in tropical areas in central and west Africa. From May 2022-July 2023, multiple cases of mpox were identified in non-endemic countries, and the World Health Organization declared the mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This marked the first time many mpox cases were reported concurrently in non-endemic and endemic countries in different geographical areas. During the outbreak, nearly 100,000 people were infected, primarily gay and bisexual men, and approximately 200 people died.  This statement was prepared by Nathalie Kapp, Chief Medical Advisor with support from the International Medical Advisory Panel (IMAP) members: Arachu Castro, Michalina Drejza, Gail Knudson, Zozo Nene, Prof. Pascale Allotey, Janet Meyers, Professor Michael Mbizvo (Co-Chair), Chipo Gwanzura (Co-Chair), Paul D. Blumenthal, and Edmore Munongo. We thank the panel for their valuable and timely guidance and reviews offered during the development process. 

This statement is intended to support and guide IPPF Member Associations and other sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), humanitarian and development organisations regarding COVID-19 and vaccination and the impact on delivery of sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH). It covers issues related to advocacy to address health inequalities and stigma, in addition to medical and service delivery recommendations, evidence and practical guidance from the scientific community. 

Achieving UHC represents an ambitious global effort which currently receives significant traction and political momentum. Although each country is at a different stage of implementation, as they take steps on the path towards UHC, new opportunities arise to advance and integrate a comprehensive approach to SRHR and essential SRH services. UHC reforms are inherently complex, but a people‑centred and a health systems approach can help to identify key areas and actions that can be taken to advance SRHR integration in UHC. This IMAP statement highlights some of these areas and actions and, as a deeper understanding of local circumstances and the specific needs of those currently left behind are crucial, IPPF MAs are well placed to play a leading role in this process.

It is estimated that 1 in 3 (35%) women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner and/or sexual violence by a non‑partner in their lifetime, with the majority of this violence being intimate partner violence. Of the 87,000 women who were killed intentionally in 2017 globally, an estimated 58% were killed by an intimate partner or family member.Sexual and gender‑based violence (SGBV) is a human rights violation, associated with death, injury and a broad range of negative sexual, mental and physical health issues and socio‑economic impacts.

This statement’s purpose is to provide guidance to IPPF Member Associations and other sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)organizations to support sustained provision of essential and life‑saving SRH services in the context of the COVID‑19 pandemic. The statement also serves as a tool to advocate with donors and other stakeholders for additional resources to sustain SRH services throughout the pandemic. The statement reinforces IPPF’s position and commitment to SRH and rights and gender equality.

In 2018, IPPF endorsed the WHO/UNFPA Call to Action to Attain Universal Health Coverage Through Linked Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and HIV Interventions.13 This IMAP statement serves as a reminder of this call to action to ensure all people have access to comprehensive SRH services, including integrated contraceptive and HIV/STI services, provided through primary healthcare.