Development Communication Network with support from The Challenge Initiative (TCI) hosted a virtual webinar in commemoration of World Contraceptive Day on the 26th of September 2024. The interactive online seminar, titled “Breaking Barriers: Advocating for Greater Access to Family Planning in Resource-Limited Settings,” brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving access to contraceptive services in Nigeria.
The webinar aimed to identify and overcome barriers to accessing contraceptives, promoting contraceptive awareness, addressing misconceptions, and advocating for improved reproductive health services.
Prof. Josiah Mutihir, a renowned obstetrician and family planning service provider, delivered a keynote presentation discussing the benefits, challenges, and barriers to contraception.
Mutihir started by explaining what the day represented and the reason for its commemoration.
“World Contraception Day serves as a platform for sensitizing the public on contraception, we discuss what contraceptives are, its benefits, and how individuals can access it.”
“Awareness levels are high, with over 90% of both men and women in Nigeria knowledgeable about contraception, but the usage rate remains alarmingly low at just 17%.” He stated.
“Despite the advocacy put into the subject and the investments, family planning indices remain low. He reiterated, citing factors like poverty, myths, and misconceptions inhibiting access to contraceptives.
Other expert speakers included Mrs. Lovina Ibiok Victor, Health Promotion Officer from Akwa Ibom, and Mrs. Patricia Osazuwa, Director of Nursing in Edo State, They emphasized the importance of integrating reproductive health education into school curricula and providing affordable access to contraceptives.
In Lovina’s session, she stated that religious beliefs is amongst the reasons many shy from contraceptives.
“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.
Men’s involvement in the advocacy was also discussed. Isaac Adamu raised. ” Tthe importance of male involvement in reproductive health decisions is efficacious in influencing informed choices of their patners.”
” There are many benefits of the contraceptives, hence, the men should ensure that they are educated”. Adamu said.
The webinar also featured presentations from Dr. Omotosho of TCI and Mr. Akin Jimoh of Devcomm.
Dr. Omotosho stressed that the world contraceptive day will continually be celebrated .
“To identify and overcome barriers to accessing contraceptives, we will always advocate for the use of contraceptives.” He said.
He further reiterated that advocating for family planning will constantly help to achieve security, economic growth, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participants shared testimonies and suggestions to improve contraceptive access, and commended TCI’s commitment to reproductive health disparities to promoting informed decision-making.
Peace OdekunleSeptember 28, 20242 Mins read
