What This Means
This paper describes the protocol (the detailed plan) for a large systematic review examining how health systems in Commonwealth countries and selected African nations respond to gender-based violence (GBV) and its connections to sexual and reproductive health. The researchers plan to analyze existing published studies to understand what kinds of health facility programs exist, what has worked, and what challenges remain. So far, their database searches have turned up 38,200 potentially relevant studies, of which 60 have been confirmed eligible for in-depth analysis, with the largest share coming from eastern Africa, South Africa, and Asia.
This research suggests that GBV and sexual and reproductive health issues are deeply intertwined — for example, the paper notes that cumulative exposure to GBV is more strongly linked to abortion risk than other factors, and that GBV is associated with unintended pregnancies, complications during pregnancy, gynecological problems, and mental health impacts. By systematically gathering and analyzing evidence from many countries and contexts, the review aims to identify best practices and generate recommendations that health ministries and policymakers can use to better coordinate services for people affected by GBV.
The full review is still in progress, with data extraction expected to be completed by September 2025 and final results published shortly thereafter. Once complete, findings will be shared with health ministries, policymakers, and stakeholders through publications and conferences. This kind of synthesis is important because it can help countries learn from each other's experiences and avoid reinventing solutions that have already been tested elsewhere.