Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Accepted
Incorporate telemedicine and self-management of SRHR into aid programming, updating Committee by Autumn 2024
Recommendation
The use of telemedicine and self-management in SRHR programmes could increase the accessibility, reach and effectiveness of such programmes. The FCDO should consider how to incorporate the use of telemedicine and self-management of SRHR in its aid programming, such as in providing access to safe abortion, and update the Committee no later than Autumn 2024 on its progress. (Paragraph 28) Maternal and newborn health
Government Response Summary
The FCDO agrees that telemedicine and self-management can improve SRHR programming, detailing how it already supports these approaches through initiatives like the UNFPA Supplies Partnership for self-managed medical abortions and the WISH programme for self-injectable contraception and telemedicine services.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Agree 22. The FCDO agrees with the Committee’s conclusion that telemedicine and self- management can improve the effectiveness of SRHR programming. The FCDO works with the UNFPA Supplies Partnership programme to support the procurement of quality- assured abortion commodities including the ‘combipack’ for self-managed first trimester medical abortions as recommended by the WHO. The FCDO is also supporting countries to introduce abortion commodities for self-management in line with global strategic efforts through the Best Practices Programme with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). 23. The Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) programme has supported roll out of self-injectable contraception (DMPA-SC1) in countries including South Sudan and supports access to a range of abortion services in countries (within national laws), including medical abortion through pharmacies, and has prevented an estimated 6.8m unsafe abortions since 2018. It also supports telemedicine, for example in Sudan and DRC WISH has funded a telemedicine service delivered by doctors and nurses which has proven particularly successful in helping young people access advice and services, including on safe abortion in DRC, where there are high levels of stigma. 24. The FCDO trusts that this update will highlight to the Committee that we are considering and integrating telemedicine and self-management into programmes where effective and possible. If the Committee should require any further updates on this area of work, or anything else regarding the FCDO’s SRHR agenda, the FCDO stands ready to respond to further requests.