COVID-19 and RMNCAH and Nutrition: “Build Back Better"

COVID-19 has laid bare our deficiencies in both high income and low-middle income countries.

As a global pandemic, COVID-19 has impacted all countries politics, economics, policies, and services, not just health. It has exposed existing racial, economic and social disparities. We have seen the most vulnerable be disproportionately affected by the pandemic as highlighted by other speakers in this session. Loss of income and decreased food security have highlighted the failings of our safety nets. Poor health and poor access to quality health services in historically disadvantaged populations continues and compounds the impact of COVID-19. COVID-19 however, has also presented us with a great opportunity to address a range of issues beyond just health services – too look to social and economic justice as a key to “Health for All” and to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

The severe strain on our global lives has spurred renewed efforts, such as Black Lives Matter, to address social and economic injustices. New or adapted technology and innovations are being leveraged to address challenges to health, nutrition, education and other systems and services. Even climate change has seen benefits of reduced human impact on pollution and energy consumption. How can we capitalize on these opportunities for MCH populations and our wider societies? The world is discussing how can we “build back better”? This session will highlight these issues to spur discussion and commitment for mothers and children in the era of COVID-19 and beyond.