By Isaiah Eka
The Challenge Initiative (TCI), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to increase investment in family planning services.
TCI emphasised that the lack of funding was hindering efforts to address maternal mortality in the state.
Dr Sam Obase, Programme Manager of TCI, made the call on Wednesday during a one-day media roundtable in Uyo.
He explained that family planning services in the state were primarily supported by partners, who could not provide assistance to all health facilities in Akwa Ibom.
As a result, he stressed the need for the government to allocate more funds to these services.
Mrs Enobong Eshiet, State Coordinator of Family Planning at the Akwa Ibom Ministry of Health, revealed that the state’s maternal mortality ratio stood at 762 deaths per 100,000 live births.
She stated that promoting family planning services was the most effective way to reduce the high rate and improve the state’s GDP.
Eshiet also pointed out that many southern states, such as Cross River, Edo, Rivers, and Delta, had invested in family planning by allocating funds and procuring necessary commodities.
She expressed concern that Akwa Ibom had not made similar investments, which had led to a lack of funding and procurement of essential family planning materials.
“It is disheartening that Akwa Ibom State is not investing in family planning services, as evidenced by the lack of funding and non-procurement of commodities.
“Given the high maternal mortality rate, family planning is a key solution to reducing this and boosting the state’s economy.
“We urge the government to prioritise family planning services in the health budget,” Eshiet said.
Mrs Lovina Ibiok, Chairman of the Social Behaviour and Communication Change Technical Working Committee, also spoke about the myths and misconceptions surrounding family planning in Nigeria.
She mentioned that misinformation often causes fear and leads to the avoidance of these essential services.
Ibiok urged the media to help reshape public opinion and educate Nigerians on the importance of family planning.
She emphasised that investing in family planning services were vital for addressing the interconnected challenges of population growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity. NAN
