Zika and women's sexual and reproductive health: Critical first steps to understand the role of gender in the Colombian epidemic

Objectives To describe the mechanisms of implementation of Zika virus diagnosis, prevention, and management guidelines in Colombia, and to characterize their influence on efforts to defend sexual and reproductive rights. Methods A qualitative study performed between February and April 2018 in three municipalities in Colombia. We conducted 30 semistructured interviews and five focus groups with key informants who played a role during the epidemic. These included decision‐makers, program coordinators, healthcare providers, pregnant women diagnosed with Zika virus, and members of affected communities. Results We identified barriers to and facilitators for the implementation of the national Zika virus response plan. Barriers included a lack of coordination between vector control efforts and in the realms of sexual and reproductive rights. Facilitators included healthcare providers’ response to the epidemic, the development of technical skills, and the establishment of coordination and referral networks across different institutions. Conclusion A multidimensional approach that considers healthcare services, gender issues, and the environment is crucial. We highlight the epidemic's effects on women's sexual and reproductive rights, mainly related to inequalities in sexual and reproductive health such as the increased risk of sexually transmitted infections experienced by the poorest and most vulnerable women. The Zika virus epidemic has different effects on women's and men's reproductive health. This calls for a multidimensional approach to the epidemic.