Kwara: Over 47,000 women uptake family planning in 6 months-Official

By Mosunmola Ayobami,Ilorin

Over 47,000 women have uptaken family planning methods in six months in kwara state.

This was disclosed by the State’s Family Planning Coordinator in the Ministry of Health, Hajia Bilikis Ibrahim, while speaking with journalists in Ilorin.

Breaking down the figures, Ibrahim said 23,253 and 23,754 uptook family planning between January to March and April to June respectively.

She added that 75,848 women were counselled in six months, adding that the State has a budget line to ensure full implementation of the policy.

Speaking on the theme ‘ the Power of Options” at the 2023 World Contraceptive Day, Ibrahim identified religion and culture as the major problems with family planning uptakers, adding that the ministry navigates through with the community leaders.

“A family planning service provider must be a good counselor,she must go deep into family history of the client,so by building their capacity regularly, giving them refreshers training,they are ready to attend to any clients at any time”, said Ibrahim.

She added that although family planning may cause pregrancy delay but that it could allow uptakers to conceive again.

“My message to women generally is we are in the era of take care of your health, especially the women of reproductive age. They are to know that reproductive health is their right,they are the one to carry the pregnancies, reproductive health is their decision.

” Whenever they want to uptake family planning,they should go to government accredited facilities because that’s where good information can be guaranteed” she advised.