The COVID19 pandemic has compromised health care systems particularly in the area of sexual and reproductive health. As the international community observes World Population Day (11 July), UNFPA advises against reactionary policy responses, which can be extremely harmful if they violate rights, health and choices. 

The world is currently facing an acute shortage of 900,000 midwives, which represents a third of the required global midwifery workforce. The COVID-19 crisis has only exacerbated these problems, with the health needs of women and newborns being overshadowed, midwifery services being disrupted and midwives being deployed to other health services.