At the ongoing eighth Nigeria Family Planning Conference 2024 in Abuja, stakeholders emphasized the importance of effective family planning services in national development. They discussed how such services can help in curbing population growth and reducing pressure on resources like education, healthcare, and employment.
Former Minister of Health, Dr Isaac Adewole, highlighted the role of family planning in alleviating pressure on resources and its significance in the country’s health system and overall national development. He addressed challenges related to reproductive health in Nigeria, such as high maternal and infant mortality rates, unplanned pregnancies, and limited access to contraceptive methods.
To accelerate progress towards FP2030 goals, Adewole suggested focusing on domestic funding, strengthening the supply chain, and integrating family planning into essential services. He also emphasized the importance of providing youth-friendly services to empower young people, who make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s population.
The Country Director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Uche Amaonwu, stressed the transformative impact of family planning on socioeconomic advancement, gender equity, and sustainable development. He highlighted the need for high-impact solutions, such as strengthening the supply chain, enhancing domestic financing, and promoting innovation in policy and service delivery.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on health, Dr Salma Ibrahm Anas, acknowledged the progress made in promoting family planning in Nigeria but emphasized the need for continued efforts to ensure access for all women and girls. She called for inclusive conversations and homegrown solutions tailored to the country’s unique context and needs, along with increased investment in education and awareness programs to address challenges like lack of awareness about family planning.