TCI educates couples on family planning in Osun

…achieves 60% success rate

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Challenge Initiative (TCI), a non-governmental organization, recently conducted a neighborhood campaign in Osun State to educate couples on the benefits of family planning.

The campaign, led by TCI’s family planning mobilizers, took place in the Oke-Abesu community of Osogbo Local Government, where women were encouraged to adopt family planning methods.

According to the team lead, Mr. Adeshina Gboyega, the campaign aimed to raise awareness about the health benefits of family planning for families. Mobilizers educated women on various family planning methods and provided “Gold Cards” to interested clients, which can be redeemed at nearby primary health centers for family planning services.

Gboyega noted the campaign’s success, with a 60% increase in family planning adoption since the initiative began two years ago. Although myths and misconceptions initially posed challenges, the campaign has successfully dispelled fears by assuring women that family planning has no negative side effects.

“The campaign is all about family planning. As mobilizers for TCI, we go around the town, encouraging women to consider family planning. We educate them on its benefits and explain the different methods available. Interested clients receive what we call a ‘Gold Card,’ which they can take to the nearest primary health center,” Gboyega explained.

He further clarified that once at the health center, providers educate clients on the various family planning options and recommend the method best suited to each individual’s needs.

Gboyega urged couples to embrace family planning to allow for child spacing and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The mobilizers’ door-to-door approach allowed them to reach more women directly, distributing Gold Cards to those interested in learning more.