The Virus, The Lockdown And Sexual And Reproductive Health And Rights In Nigeria And South Africa: A Comparative Study

Studies have shown that in emergency and crisis situations, like with the Covid-19 pandemic, government spending, resources, and service provision to the population, through the different sectors of the national economy, become less of a priority as these are diverted to tackling the emergency .Focus is on broader public health issues while sexual and reproductive health that can heighten vulnerabilities and rights are often overlooked. In order to think and act locally and contribute to the global discourse, this study proposes to examine evidence-based implications of Covid-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions on sexual and reproductive health and rights, and its potential demographic consequences in two sub-Saharan African countries, Nigeria and South Africa. Expected Outputs 1. Comprehensive literature review with appropriate bibliography 2. Capacity building of graduate students and emerging scholars in scientific research purposes. 3. Field survey on prevalence, incidents and outcomes of sexual and reproductive health and family behaviour outcomes during the pandemic lockdown. 4. International Conference 5. Special Journal Issue on Covid-19 and SRH to be titled 'The Virus, the Lockdown and SRH in sub-Saharan Africa: Comparative Analysis. 6. A broader research agenda that will be pursued by students and staff of the institutions associated with this research in the next couple of years.