In a bid to address the pressing issue of family planning, the Coordinator of Reproductive Health at Kwara Ministry of Health, Dr. Kafayat Ibrahim, has emphasized the crucial role media stakeholders play in promoting the use of contraception.
Speaking at the commencement of a three-day training program organized by The Challenge Initiative (TCI) and Development Communications (DEVCOMS) Network in Ilorin, Ibrahim urged media personnel to step up their efforts in advocating for family planning.
The initiative, which targets media practitioners, social media influencers, and officials of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), aims to enhance media advocacy for family planning.
Ibrahim said it is important to address the myths and misconceptions surrounding family planning, which have hindered women from accessing these vital services in numerous communities, consequently impeding the state from reaching attainable targets.
ALSO READ: Foundation to establish STI clinics in Benue, Abuja
“Myths and misconceptions have deterred women from embracing family planning services in many communities, hindering the state from reaching achievable levels,” She emphasized.
Ibrahim further highlighted the significance of the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) among women aged 15 to 49, stating that it currently stands at 17.1% in the state.
She stressed the need to increase this rate to 27% by 2030, underscoring the achievable target to be met through intensified awareness and advocacy efforts.
“There is an urgent need for stakeholders to combat the adverse effects of these misconceptions, which often revolve around allegations of infidelity, promiscuity, permanent infertility, and decreased libido associated with contraceptive use,” said Ibrahim.
Echoing Ibrahim’s sentiments, the media engagement trainer at Devcoms, Mr. Mayowa Adeniran, said the pivotal role of media personnel in encouraging women to access family planning services while dispelling myths and misconceptions.
Adeniran further advised women of reproductive age to utilize government health facilities for family planning services instead of resorting to unqualified practitioners to mitigate potential negative consequences.
