The Sokoto State Government has called on stakeholders in the health sector to sustain and build upon progress made in family planning (FP) and other reproductive health services across the state.
The call was made by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruku Wurno, during a cascade training session for Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) providers held Thursday in Sokoto.
The training focused on hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), Levoplant implants, and disability inclusion, targeting experienced healthcare providers.
Organised by MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Ministry of Health and supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the training aimed to strengthen service delivery and expand access to inclusive reproductive health care.
Dr. Wurno highlighted the role of enhanced knowledge, positive attitudes, and effective practices in increasing the uptake and acceptance of family planning services throughout the state’s health facilities.
He urged participants to treat the training with urgency and commitment, noting the importance of addressing service gaps to improve maternal health outcomes.
“I commend our partners and urge all participants to take this opportunity seriously. Your role is critical in advancing reproductive health and ensuring better outcomes for women in Sokoto,” he said.
In her remarks, Ms. Gloria Enuaze, UNFPA Representative in Sokoto State, described the initiative as a progressive step toward equity, inclusion, and comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
She stated, “The integration of disability inclusion in family planning services, alongside modern contraceptive options like hormonal IUDs and Levoplant, reflects our commitment to person-centered, inclusive care.”
Ms. Enuaze also emphasized the importance of equipping healthcare providers with up-to-date skills and knowledge to meet the evolving needs of diverse client populations.
Also speaking, Dr. David Adelerin, Clinical Officer and Policy & Training Lead at MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices, highlighted the benefits of informed family planning, especially child spacing and its positive impact on women’s health.
“The training is designed to improve decision-making capacity among providers and ensure better reproductive health outcomes across the state,” he said.
Dr. Adelerin praised Sokoto’s positive response to family planning initiatives, attributing the success to effective demand-creation strategies and strong government support.
He concluded by urging the state government to ensure a consistent supply of contraceptive commodities to meet the expected rise in demand following the training.
