By Ijeoma Ukazu –
To ensure family planning is embraced by women of reproductive age, the Nigerian Urban and Reproductive Health Initiative 2, (NURHI 2) has carried out a 72 hour make-over of some family planning unit in order to increase Contraceptive Prevalent Rate, (CPR) in Lagos State.
Addressing some select journalists during the media facility tour organised by Development Communications to Palm Avenue and Ajeabo Primary Healthcare Centres both in Mushin Local Government Area, the Senior Nursing Officer and expert in family planning, Mrs Ilavbare Omotayo of Palm Avenue, revealed that the facility records over 200 clients in a month who come for a method since the renovation by NURHI.
According to Omotayo, “at Palm Avenue here, consumables are free unlike before, the women were told to get some items like Jik, Dettol, gloves, cotton wool amongst others before the family planning service can be rendered.”
She said NURHI provides all needed family planning commodities whenever the unit is out of stock, adding that men also walk in to the facility to request for condoms as well as give consent for their wives to use any family planning method of choice.
Similarly, at Ajeabo Primary Healthcare Centre, Mrs Akinkuowo Feyi Bridget, the Nursing Officer in charge of family planning said “before the intervention of NURHI 2, we receive about 60 women and below but after the intervention in a month, we recorded 176 clients and still counting”.
She added that NURHI 2 which is the second phase of the project, provides family planning commodities as well as consumables monthly to the facility, stating that, “for clients coming for the first time to get family planning service, we counsel them and give all information concerning the methods that best suits them before it is administered.
“Some of the family planning methods that are available are the female and male condom, Implants, Injectable, Intra Uterine Device and beads which is a natural method.”
When asked about the challenges faced with the commodities, she however noted that the challenge is a general one which is lack of manpower, as she urge the government to bring in more skilled health workers as clients are increasing in numbers.
Mrs Bridget also explained that there are complaints from clients who use Implant for the first time, “we explain to them that it’s a foreign device to the body, so it will need time to adapt to the body system.”
Akinkuowo also highlighted some benefits of family planning which includes; preventing unplanned pregnancy, promotes longevity of life and good health amongst others.
She however said that the facility has community mobilisers who play important role by creating awareness during outreaches on the benefits of family planning.
Sharing her experience, a family planning user, Mrs Fausiat Balogun from Ajeabo PHC, gave a positive account of how family planning has been beneficial to her, adding that she is on Implant method and has so far shown no side effect, “at first, i was scared but was encouraged by positive comments of Implanon users i met at the family planning clinic.”
Balogun revealed that “the only thing i notice is that, I am yet to see my menstruation, though i am still breastfeeding my baby and if after i stop breastfeeding and my period doesn’t come, I will go back to ask questions from the health care provider.”
Another family planning user, Mrs Adebowale Adesewa who is fulfilled with her preferred method said she came for a renewal of Implanon method inserted three years ago.
The 35 year old trader and mother of four, Adesewa said Implanon is good for her, adding that there are no complaints as she stressed that family planning will help reduce unnecessary abortion and unwanted pregnancy among women.
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