A Comparison of Zika Incidence and Access to Reproductive Healthcare in El Salvador and Cuba During the Latin American Zika Epidemic

Abstract

The 2015-2016 Zika epidemic in Latin America was significant in how it interacted with women’s healthcare in the region. The paper investigates the connection between access to reproductive healthcare and transmission of Zika virus, by comparing rates of Zika incidence and congenital Zika syndrome in El Salvador and Honduras. By looking at access to contraceptives and legal abortions, El Salvador is considered to have limited access to reproductive healthcare, whereas Cuba is considered to have increased access. Additionally, El Salvador’s incidence of Zika infection and CZS is higher for the region, while Cuba has some of the lowest rates. Although there are many factors to consider why infection and CZS rates are higher in El Salvador, access to reproductive healthcare should be considered.