The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to achieving zero maternal mortality in Nigeria, emphasizing the critical role of family planning (FP) programs in realizing this goal. Speaking at the End of Project Dissemination Meeting for the Catalytic Opportunity Funds (COF) Hormonal Intra-Uterine Devices (IUD) Scale-Up Project in Abuja, Dr. Samuel Oyeniyi, Director of the Reproductive Health Division at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted the need for strategic, intervention-driven approaches to improve family planning services.
The COF initiative, managed by the Hormonal IUD Access Group, was implemented in Delta and Kano states in 2024 to scale up the use of hormonal IUDs as part of Nigeria’s broader maternal health strategy. Dr. Oyeniyi stressed that prioritizing postpartum and post-abortion family planning services is crucial to addressing high-risk pregnancies. He called for innovative solutions to expand FP services nationwide, ensuring rural communities have access to accurate information, counseling, and contraceptive options to reduce maternal deaths.
The Society for Family Health (SFH) Lead for RMNCAEH+N, Mrs. Roseline Odeh, underscored the importance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving Nigeria’s 27% contraceptive prevalence target by 2030.
“We’ve observed duplication of efforts and underutilization of resources. By prioritizing key areas, we can optimize resources, expand coverage, and ensure more women receive FP services,” she stated.
Odeh added that the COF project has expanded contraceptive options for women, while also paving the way for the introduction of new FP methods to further meet diverse needs. In Kano State, Dr. Umu Isa, the Reproductive Health and FP Coordinator, revealed that 110 healthcare providers across 10 LGAs were trained under the program. While the initiative focused on hormonal IUDs, it also integrated a mix of FP methods, contributing to improved FP indices in the state.
“The program met its objectives, and we plan to extend the lessons learned to other LGAs that were not part of the initial project,” she said.
The government and health stakeholders continue to push for stronger FP interventions, aiming to save lives and improve reproductive health outcomes across Nigeria.
