The Ebola outbreak has already claimed thousands of lives, including health workers, undermining human development and all sectors of society. A concerted response is underway to respond to the needs of all people who are affected. And we cannot forget the needs of women and mothers.
It is estimated that more than 600,000 women in the three hardest-hit countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone will give birth during the next 12 months. In addition, more than 1 million women who were using modern contraception can no longer receive these services.
As the world ramps up its response to the escalating Ebola crisis, women are being disproportionately affected, and their needs and participation should be prioritized in the response. Because women are caring for, feeding and bathing loved ones who are infected, working as front-line health workers, preparing bodies for burial and in need of reproductive health services, they are exposed to and infected by Ebola at higher rates than men.