Stakeholders in Edo State are pushing for sustained investment in family planning through local resources and strategic media advocacy to reduce dependence on external funding and ensure long-term success in reproductive health programs.
Speaking at a recent event, Akin Jimoh, Executive Director of Development Communications Network (DevComs), and Mrs. Adja Abieyuwa, Edo State RH/FP Coordinator, emphasized that family planning is not just a health intervention but an economic imperative that fosters healthier families and a more prosperous society.
“Family planning is an investment in the well-being of our people and the economic future of Edo State. When families can plan their pregnancies, maternal and child health improves, economic burdens reduce, and communities become more resilient,” Jimoh stated.
Mrs. Abieyuwa echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for sustained local funding and community engagement to ensure continuous access to reproductive health services. “While donor support has played a significant role in our family planning progress, we must now take ownership of these programs through domestic financing and strong policy commitments,” she said.
Sustaining Family Planning with Local Resources
Through the work of The Challenge Initiative (TCI), Edo State has made significant progress in increasing access to family planning services, improving healthcare provider capacity, and raising community awareness. However, to sustain these gains, stakeholders highlight the need for integration of family planning into local health budgets and the development of innovative financing mechanisms.
To ensure sustainability, experts and policymakers recommend:
Increased state-level funding for reproductive health services to reduce dependency on external donors.
Integration of family planning into primary healthcare services for accessibility at all levels.
Strengthening of community-based distribution of contraceptives through trained health volunteers.
Engagement of the private sector in supporting family planning programs through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Empowerment of traditional and religious leaders to champion family planning as a tool for economic and social stability.
The Role of the Media in Sustaining Family Planning Advocacy
The media remains a powerful force in ensuring family planning remains a priority for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public. Sustaining family planning programs requires continuous public awareness, policy engagement, and accountability.
In Edo State, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and various media institutions have played a crucial role in health awareness, debunking myths, and engaging key decision-makers. Organizations like DevComs have been instrumental in training journalists to report on reproductive health with depth, accuracy, and sensitivity.
To further strengthen media advocacy for family planning, stakeholders urge:
Continued tracking and reporting on family planning budgets and policy commitments.
Advocacy for local funding and accountability in family planning programs.
Public education on the economic benefits of family planning beyond health.
Leveraging digital and community radio platforms to reach rural populations with reproductive health messages.
A Call to Action
Stakeholders stress that sustaining family planning progress in Edo State requires a collective commitment from the government, private sector, civil society, healthcare providers, and the media. By investing in local resources, strengthening advocacy, and fostering community-driven solutions, Edo State can ensure that every family has the power to make informed reproductive choices, leading to healthier lives and a more resilient society.
“Let us commit to sustainability. Let us invest in our future. Let us ensure that family planning remains a cornerstone of public health in Edo State,” Jimoh concluded.
Mrs. Abieyuwa reinforced this call, adding, “A future where every woman and family in Edo State has access to quality family planning services is within our reach. But it will require bold decisions, local investments, and unwavering commitment.”
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