A Consultant Family Physician, Dr Samuel Ogba, has called for the training and empowerment of religious leaders to strengthen advocacy and increase the uptake of family planning in Nigeria.
Ogba told reporters on Thursday in Lagos that comprehensive acceptance of family planning is essential for improving maternal health outcomes in the country.
He said training and empowerment are necessary to equip religious leaders from diverse faiths with the skills and knowledge to champion family planning as a key component of maternal and child health within their communities.
“Faith-based leaders are influential because many people trust and follow their guidance,” Ogba said. “By leveraging this trusted position, there is a high possibility of positive behavioral change and increased uptake of family planning among the populace.”
He added, “Religious leaders hold a unique position of trust and authority within their communities, making them powerful advocates for family planning. Research reveals that 66 per cent of women would consider family planning if encouraged by their religious leaders, yet only 40 per cent of these leaders actively support it. Empowering them is therefore crucial to integrating family planning messages into religious teachings and outreach efforts, ultimately improving the health and well-being of families across the country.”
Ogba highlighted that family planning helps preserve health and reduces mortality, particularly deaths related to unsafe abortions. He said it also allows parents to better provide for their children, promoting a healthier society overall.
Contributing to the discussion, Child Health expert Mrs Rose Mordi emphasized the role of the media in promoting family planning advocacy. Mordi, President of the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN), noted that the media can amplify messages to reach diverse communities.
She lamented that many children suffer due to inadequate care from parents struggling to meet their basic needs and said family planning provides a practical solution. “It allows individuals to manage resources responsibly and improve their children’s quality of life,” Mordi said.
She added, “Aligning family planning with shared health and family welfare values can drive positive change. By embracing family planning, parents can better regulate family size and support their children’s well-being.”
Mordi urged religious leaders to become champions for family planning, engaging communities through seminars, sermons, outreaches, and campaigns. She also highlighted the importance of male involvement in family planning decisions for the betterment of families and communities.
