September 30, (THEWILL) – Health experts have called for the critical role of contraception in empowering individuals to take control of their reproductive health in Nigeria.
Speaking at a Webinar hosted to commemorate this year’s World Contraception Day, Professor Josiah Mutihir of Jos University Teaching Hospital, alongside leading health professionals, said access to contraception is key to improving health outcomes.
He also noted that such a contraption method could reduce maternal mortality and ensure young Nigerians can make informed decisions about their reproductive futures.
Mutihir emphasised the need for Nigeria to address unbridled procreation that has led the country and its citizens to varied hardships over the years.
He noted that despite years of global celebrations aimed at raising awareness, Nigeria continues to face significant barriers in family planning.
This year’s theme, “The Power of Options: Empowering Choice, Enhancing Health”, highlights the importance of diverse contraceptive choices, especially in resource-limited settings like Nigeria, where cultural, economic and logistical challenges continue to hinder access to essential reproductive health services.
“While awareness levels are high, with over 90% of both men and women in Nigeria knowledgeable about contraception, the usage rate remains alarmingly low at just 17%.
“Furthermore, Nigeria continues to grapple with an unmet need for contraception at 24.8%, revealing a gap between knowledge and access to effective family planning methods.
Mutihir emphasised that options create choices and choices are key to empowering individuals to plan their families and futures.
From natural family planning methods to hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices, and permanent solutions, various contraceptive options exist, but access remains a pressing issue, particularly in underserved areas of Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) has shown minimal improvement over the years despite the significant resources invested by organisations and projects. Mutihir points out several barriers preventing widespread contraceptive use, including:
During the discussion, Lovina Emole, a participant from Akwa Ibom, emphasised the significant challenge posed by limited government funding for reproductive health programs.
Lovina Victor Ibiok, Akwa Ibom Health Promotion Officer, advocates educating religious leaders on family planning to dispel misconceptions.
“Many believers view contraceptives as immoral, by empowering leaders as influencers, they can promote informed decision-making and encourage followers to adopt family planning methods, improving overall health and well-being”, she said.
Mrs Patricia Osazuwa Edo State, Director of Nursing Services, said “Comprehensive education on reproductive health and informed decision-making is essential for empowering young people.”
Isaac Adamu from Plateau State, emphasised the importance of male involvement in reproductive health decisions, suggesting that Family Planning Champions can be crucial in influencing informed choices.
The Webinar was hosted by the Development Communications Network (DevComs), with support from The Challenge Initiative (TCI, Nigeria).
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
