The Kwara State Government has said it will keep encouraging more men to take part in family planning. This will help control the population and improve the health of families.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, said this during a meeting in Ilorin. The meeting was organized by the Society for Family Health in partnership with the Kwara Government.
Dr. El-Imam explained that in Nigeria, men are usually seen as the heads of families. Because of this, it’s important for men to support family planning. This will help both Kwara and the whole country.
She said there are still many cultural beliefs and wrong ideas about family planning in Nigeria that need to be addressed.
Dr. El-Imam pointed out that since men make most family decisions, women often can’t decide on family planning alone. So, it’s important to involve men through education and programs that respect cultural values.
She added that Kwara State is making progress in using family planning methods in all 16 local government areas.
Family planning has helped reduce the number of women dying from childbirth, reduced abortions, created happier families, and lowered poverty in the state.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Omokhudo Idogho, the head of Society for Family Health, praised the Kwara Government for its work in improving health care for mothers and children.
Dr. Idogho, who was represented by Umar Adamu, said the goal of their organization is to help Nigerians live healthier lives by giving them the right knowledge and tools.
He said the aim is to improve sexual and reproductive health by offering more self-care options and making them part of strong health systems.
He added that they want women in Kwara to feel confident in choosing and using family planning. This includes using self-injection methods to avoid unwanted pregnancies and support proper child spacing.
