Health professionals have expressed worries regarding Nigeria’s elevated fertility rates and minimal adoption of family planning, both of which persist in leading to unfavorable maternal and child health results while driving swift population increase.
On Wednesday, the specialists presented these insights at the ongoing Nigeria Family Planning Conference 2024 taking place in Abuja.
The conference titled ‘Sustaining commitments for family planning within Nigeria’s health sector renewal investment initiative, promoting progress towards achieving FP2030 objectives,’ was organized by the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
While addressing the audience at the event, the Chairman of the Management Committee, AAFP, Ejike Oji, stated that family planning (FP) serves as a powerful resource that empowers individuals, bolsters families, and speeds up national development.
Mr. Oji, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the conference, stated that family planning saves lives, lowers maternal and infant mortality rates, encourages gender equity, and fosters both social and economic advancement.
“The proof is evident. For every $1 put into contraceptive services, $3 is saved on maternal and newborn health expenses through the decrease of unintended pregnancies,” he stated.
“These savings enable essential investments in education, infrastructure, and healthcare, creating the necessary conditions to realize Nigeria’s demographic dividend.”
He stated that in Nigeria, family planning initiatives are progressing, yet obstacles remain.
He stated that differences in access influenced by regional, educational, and socioeconomic factors still deny millions of women and girls the freedom to make choices regarding their reproductive health.
Mr. Oji mentioned that although advancements have been made in FP within the nation, the Modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (MCPR) slightly rose to 15 percent from 12 percent, while unmet needs stand at 21 percent.
Elevated fertility rates, along with minimal FP adoption, lead to adverse maternal and child health results and intensify swift population increase. He stated, “These challenges require increased urgency, creativity, and teamwork to meet the FP2030 goals.”
Family Planning summit
Mr. Oji highlighted that this year’s conference occurs at a crucial time as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, advocates for the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) agenda, a cohesive framework aimed at optimizing health programs, enhancing accountability, and delivering transformative outcomes.
He stated that seizing this opportunity is crucial to synchronize efforts, foster innovation, and reaffirm commitments to FP as a vital component of sustainable development in Nigeria.
Discussing the advancement of family planning in Nigeria, Co-Principal Investigator Funmilola Olaolorun of Performance Monitoring for Action stated that for the nation to achieve the FP2030 goal, the modern contraceptive prevalence rate must rise by two percent each year.
Ms. Olaolorun stated, “Continuing with business as usual will not lead us to that outcome.” At the present rate, it will require five years to realize a two-percentage point rise.
She stated that with adequate funding, drive, and commitment, the nation can surpass the FP2030 goal.
Samuel Oyeniyi, a Director in the Reproductive Health Department at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, observed that while Nigeria is progressing toward the FP2030 goal, the advancement is gradual.
Mr. Oyeniyi stated that improved incorporation of FP into healthcare services is essential for the country.
“If we intensify our efforts and optimize the resources at hand, we will achieve the goal,” he stated.
FP 2030 target
The FP2030 is an international collaboration advocating for the reproductive rights of women and girls. It seeks to enable women and girls to live healthy lives and make knowledgeable decisions regarding contraceptive usage.
It also seeks to expedite efforts in overcoming barriers that hinder the progress of governmental commitments to FP, by enhancing partnerships focused on results with stakeholders and experts.
The objective is to ensure that by 2030 there is universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including family planning, as outlined in the third and fifth Sustainable Development Goals.
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, did not meet the initial family planning target set for 2020, in part because the government did not allocate funds for the program, which impeded progress. The objective of FP 2020 was to provide 120 million more women and girls of reproductive age worldwide with access to contraceptives by 2020.
As the deadline approaches, the FP 2020 target indicators reveal that Nigeria has merely 12 percent MCPR among women.
