TCI’s awareness campaign boosts family planning adoption in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Family planning adoption in Osun State has seen a marked increase, with over 100 new acceptors each month.

This trend was highlighted during a field trip to the Primary Health Care Center in Asubiaro, located in Osogbo Local Government Area, as part of an initiative sponsored by The Challenge Initiative (TCI).

Mrs. Taiwo Omoyisola, the Principal Nursing Officer at the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, shared insights into the ongoing progress. “In some months, we see over 100 new family planning acceptors, while other months fluctuate. For instance, we had 74 new acceptors in February, contributing to a total of 241 clients that month, and August saw 129 new acceptors,” Omoyisola said.

She credited the increased uptake to awareness campaigns led by TCI and other NGOs, which have helped dispel myths and educate the public. Festive periods, she noted, often bring an influx of clients, as people prefer town facilities over village ones, allowing them to access family planning services while visiting for celebrations.

“People prefer our health facility over those in the villages, so they take advantage of their visits to town to access family planning services,” Omoyisola explained.

Despite these gains, Omoyisola noted that rural communities still face barriers, including a lack of awareness and persistent misconceptions about family planning. “Many rural residents believe family planning causes diseases or conflicts with cultural and religious beliefs. More awareness is needed in these areas,” she added.

Omoyisola emphasized the benefits of family planning, such as empowering women, fostering healthier relationships, and enhancing overall well-being. “When a woman has a supportive partner and family planning resources, she thrives, and her partner wants the best for her,” she said.

She also urged the government to address quackery in healthcare, particularly in family planning services. “Laws should be in place to regulate quackery, ensuring that only qualified professionals provide family planning services,” Omoyisola stated.

Kareem Fausat, a 60-year-old mother of six, shared her positive experience, noting that family planning allowed her to focus on her business and her husband without worrying about unplanned pregnancies. She decided to discontinue family planning due to her age after 15 years of use.

Similarly, Temiloluwa Grace, a 27-year-old mother of two, opted for family planning after an unplanned pregnancy. “Family planning has given me peace of mind and helped me plan my family better. I encourage young couples to consider it to reduce conflicts and strengthen relationships,” Grace advised.