I was pleased to read your piece shining a light on the intersection of the climate crisis and its impact on sexual and reproductive health and rights (Climate crisis is ‘not gender neutral’: UN calls for more policy focus on women, 10 October).
In my homeland, Malawi, I have witnessed first-hand the devastating consequences of climate change on women and girls. The aftermath of Cyclone Freddy, which struck in March this year, is a true testament to this. Thousands remain affected, with floods severely disrupting access to essential sexual and reproductive health services. Tragically, this has led to a significant rise in teenage pregnancies and child marriages. These circumstances not only jeopardise the girls’ bodily autonomy, but also hinder their prospective economic opportunities and empowerment.
The importance of integrating sexual and reproductive health and rights within the climate agenda is crucial to mitigate the indirect impacts of this crisis for women and adolescents.
On Monday, leaders gathering at the World Health Summit have a chance to turn political promises into reality by committing funds to the Global Financing Facility, which supports women, children and adolescents. I urge governments to contribute. The global community has made a commitment to ensure universal health coverage. In order to achieve this goal, it’s vital that we put the needs of women, children and adolescents at the forefront of global action.
Christina Chilimba
New York, US
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