Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Maternal and Newborn Health Services

Gedefa Amenu

Department of Midwifery, Dilla University, Ethiopia

Dr. Gedefa Amenu, Department of Midwifery, Dilla University, Ethiopia.

Keywords: COVID-19; Pregnency; Newborn Health

Abstract

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 has spread rapidly since emerging in late 2019, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the disease a global pandemic. Experts have been trying to respond to curb transmission of the virus and to provide care for the many who have been infected throughout the world.
There is no evidence of adverse effects COVID-19 on pregnant women. But the physical and immune system changes that occur during and after pregnancy should be taken into account. Undoubtedly; challenges of the outbreak will impose huge problem on the maternal and newborn health services due to the fact that the pandemic is affecting the health services delivery system. Especially; the impact of COVID-19 on maternal and newborn health will be very high for developing countries if the pandemic infection increased with current speed. Health service seekers are not visiting health facility due to fear of the pandemic, national and international lockdown, travel restrictions and economic slowdown.

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