Exploring how COVID-19 Lockdowns Impacted on Women’s Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Mbare Constituency, Harare, Zimbabwe

The global COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on people's normal daily lives. The focus of the current study was to determine how COVID-19 Pandemic affected women's access to SRH (SRH) services in Harare, Zimbabwe. The Descriptive survey research designs and mixed methods of data collection were used in this study. The survey was undertaken in Mbare constituency and only those women present in Mbare constituency during the covid-19 pandemic lockdowns were eligible to participate. Random sampling techniques were used to recruit participants of this study. Interviews and a structured questionnaire were used to collect primary data. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data, and descriptive statistical techniques with the help of SPSS version 27 was used for quantitative data analysis. From the findings, there were mixed reactions in relation to accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among women in the study area during COVID-19 lockdown. Some respondents said they were able to access the services, whereas others were not in a position. SRHS were delayed in some health institutions and some respondents had their appointments cancelled or even delayed. Traditional birth attendants and government’s commitment to offer door to door services improved on SRHS delivery during the COVID-19 lockdown. The study concludes that, there were mixed reaction in relation to accessing SRHS during COVID-19 lockdown in the study area. The study recommends provision of more training to the TBAs on SRHS, collaborative work with the conventional medical workers and more investment to door to door SRHS. Awareness creation on SRHS in the society is also recommended. Key words: Women, Access, Sexual and Reproductive Health Services