Every year around the world, 25 November marks the start of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV). This global campaign aims to commemorate the victims of GBV, to celebrate the survivors, raise awareness and trigger actions on this pervasive human rights violation and global health issue.

In the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, which has the second highest prevalence of violence against women globally (37.7%), an increase of 50–60% in cases have been recorded based on survivors’ calls for help to women’s organization hotlines during COVID-19. This increase was coupled with a challenge in ensuring the continuation of the essential services that survivors need.

WHO has been undertaking initiatives at country level to address the continuity of services and reach out to women and girls in need of support.

In Afghanistan, WHO has drafted a guidance note for Afghanistan’s women's protection centres operating during the COVID-19 pandemic in partnership with UN Women. WHO has also been integrating related information into its emergency training of health care providers in the country.

In Iraq, WHO has produced guidance for both remote and face-to-face services for the health care of women who may have been subjected to violence. WHO has also carried out online training for frontline workers.

In Lebanon, face-to-face support has continued for high-risk cases during the lockdown. Remote case management has been put in place, aiming to maintain communication lines with survivors living in confinement with their aggressors.

In Pakistan, WHO has been integrating COVID-19 related violence information into its training, carrying out capacity-building including specialized training for gynaecologists to integrate GBV response into their services during the COVID-19 pandemic. WHO is also introducing GBV-specialized telemedicine support and health-related services in collaboration with the Institute of Psychiatry in Balochistan.

WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.  

Read more about how WHO is supporting countries to fight gender-based violence

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