World Contraception Day: TCI supports call for urgent action on family planning in Nigeria

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

As the world marks World Contraception Day, health experts in Nigeria have issued a clarion call for urgent action on family planning.

The experts spoke at a webinar hosted by the Development Communications Network (DevComs) with support from The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria. The event, themed “Breaking Barriers: Advancing Access to Family Planning in Resource-Limited Settings,” emphasized the need for greater access to contraception.

The health practitioners highlighted the need to address unbridled population growth in Nigeria, which they said has contributed to the country’s socio-economic challenges.

Despite years of global efforts to raise awareness, Nigeria continues to face significant barriers to family planning. They noted that while over 90% of both men and women in Nigeria are knowledgeable about contraception, the usage rate remains alarmingly low at just 17%. Nigeria’s unmet need for contraception stands at 24.8%, highlighting the critical need to bridge the gap between knowledge and access to effective family planning methods.

Participants stressed the importance of expanding access to contraception to improve health outcomes, reduce maternal mortality, and empower young Nigerians to make informed decisions about their reproductive futures.

Prof. Josiah Mutihir of Jos University Teaching Hospital emphasized the crucial role of contraception in empowering individuals to take control of their reproductive health.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “The Power of Options: Empowering Choice, Enhancing Health,” Mutihir highlighted the significance of providing diverse contraceptive options, particularly in resource-limited settings like Nigeria, where cultural, economic, and logistical challenges continue to impede access to essential reproductive health services.

He noted that “options create choices, and choices are key to empowering individuals to plan their families and futures, but access to these options remains a pressing issue.”

Mutihir identified several barriers preventing widespread contraceptive use, stating: “Poor funding from national, state, and local governments has hindered the availability of contraceptive services. Frequent stock-outs of contraceptive commodities and limited availability of methods have further exacerbated the issue.

“Untrained healthcare providers and biases in service provision complicate access. Inadequate facilities and poor access to services, especially in rural areas, remain significant challenges.

“Cultural, religious, and political influences have also contributed to the problem. Widespread myths and misconceptions, concerns over future fertility, and fear of side effects deter many young Nigerians from embracing modern contraceptives.

“Spousal disagreement, poverty, and the influence of religious and cultural leaders further exacerbate these barriers.”

Lovina Victor Ibiok, Akwa Ibom Health Promotion Officer, suggested educating religious leaders to dispel misconceptions, while Mrs. Patricia Osazuwa, Edo State Director of Nursing Services, emphasized the need for comprehensive education on reproductive health.

Isaac Adamu from Plateau State highlighted the importance of male involvement in reproductive health decisions, stating, “Family Planning Champions can influence informed choices.”

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