Doctors Without Borders is responding to COVID-19 in more than 70 countries. As the virus continues to spread, we’re seeing health care systems around the world pushed further to the brink by the pandemic.

But what’s happening to those who were already in need of medical care before this crisis hit?

Our deep experience responding to disasters has taught us that one crisis can create a ripple effect on others. The COVID-19 pandemic has layered a new emergency on top of existing ones—and it could lead to even more preventable deaths. 

Routine medical services may be suspended—like in Chad, where COVID-19 could force the cancellation of a planned measles vaccination campaign in the midst of a deadly outbreak. 

People in need of help may not go to the hospital due to fear and stigma around the virus—like in Yemen, where rumors about what happens in hospitals for patients with COVID-19 symptoms are causing patients not to seek medical treatment until they are in critical condition.

Or they may not be able to get to the hospital at all—like in El Salvador, where a lack of access to primary health care and a strain on hospitals and ambulance services have contributed to a significant increase in people dying at home.

We can’t just ignore these compounded crises. “It was never an option for us just to drop our regular medical services and focus solely on COVID-19,” said Kate White, who serves as medical focal point for the Doctors Without Borders COVID-19 task force. “Keeping essential health services available and accessible is vital to prevent losing even more lives, whether from measles, malaria, malnutrition, or complicated pregnancies.”

Closures and cuts to sexual and reproductive health services are making it extremely difficult for women and girls to access the care they need. When services like neonatal care and family planning resources are cut off, their lives are at risk. Our teams are doing everything they can to keep essential services running throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about how we’re maintaining sexual and reproductive health care services during the pandemic.