Myths, fear of side effects hindering family planning uptake in Kwara: Kwara Health Commissioner
The Kwara State Government has identified myths and misconceptions, fear of side effects, privacy concerns and sociocultural barriers as factors limiting the utilisation of family planning services in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, also listed limited male involvement, commodity stock-outs and geographical barriers among the challenges affecting access to the services.
El-Imam disclosed this at a Stakeholders’ Strategic Coordination and Review Meeting on Family Planning, where stakeholders reviewed progress, identified gaps and discussed strategies to improve access to quality, affordable and rights-based services.
“Some of the factors affecting utilisation include myths and misconceptions, fear of side effects, privacy concerns, sociocultural barriers, limited male involvement, commodity stock-outs and geographical barriers,” El-Imam said.
She called for targeted interventions for adolescents, young people, vulnerable groups and hard-to-reach communities, as well as stronger engagement with traditional and religious leaders.
The commissioner described family planning as a key component of universal health coverage, maternal and child health, women’s empowerment and sustainable development.
She said Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had recently approved funds for the UNFPA 1:1 basket fund for the procurement of family planning commodities.
El-Imam stressed that sustained availability of commodities, informed communities, competent providers, reliable data and strong partnerships were essential to improving uptake.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Taoheed Abdullahi, said the meeting was aimed at strengthening government ownership, integration and accountability, urging stakeholders to share evidence and innovations to reduce the unmet need for family planning.
Earlier, the State Family Planning Coordinator, Mrs Bashirat Jatto, said the meeting would review the Transition Readiness Assessment, identify gaps and develop state- and LGA-specific action plans covering governance, financing, demand generation, service delivery, commodity security and data use.
The RMNCAH+N Communication Lead, Society for Family Health (SFH), Nigeria, Mr Michael Titus, emphasised the importance of child spacing in reducing maternal and newborn health risks.
He said SFH was collaborating with the state government to expand access to quality family planning services, particularly in underserved communities.
