ASHENEWS reports that stakeholders in Sokoto state have expressed divergent opinions about the popularity and choice of family planning methods among residents of Sokoto state.
The stakeholders who spoke in an interview with ASHENEWS on Sunday in Sokoto also identified pharmacies and other local dispensaries as major players in promoting its availability and adoption.
Family planning serves as a cost-effective health intervention, the adoption of contraception and the preference for modern methods.
Contraception encompasses actions aimed at preventing fertilization or zygote implantation, regardless of method effectiveness or traditionality.
A pharmacy owner, Mr. Yunusa Idris emphasised that family planning decisions should be informed and mutual, enabling couples to control the number, timing, and spacing of their children.
He noted that condoms are primarily sought for protection, purchased by both males and females for their partners, with pills being an alternative for those uncomfortable with internal contraceptives.
Also speaking, another pharmacy owner, Mrs. Gambo Yada, acknowledges a shift in clientele toward educated individuals across various religious and educational backgrounds.
She attributes this trend to growing awareness, affordability, and positive testimonials regarding the effectiveness and safety of family planning methods.
Yada highlights the appeal of traditional birth control methods, particularly those integrated into rings, offering discretion and efficacy during intercourse.
She emphasizes the adaptability of these methods, even suggesting the use of wedding rings, underscoring their affordability and reliability.
Another pharmacy owner Mrs. Afolabi Elizabeth stresses the overarching goal of family planning: to enhance the quality of life and empower women.
She underscored its significant impact on reducing maternal and childhood mortality rates by preventing unintended pregnancies and associated complications, including unsafe abortions and early pregnancies in young women.
Furthermore, Elizabeth noted that the additional benefits of family planning, such as mitigating risks associated with high parity and closely spaced pregnancies, ultimately contribute to improved maternal health outcomes.
Overall, the concerted efforts of pharmacy owners like Idris, Yada, and Elizabeth underscore the critical role of accessible and comprehensive family planning services in promoting individual and community well-being in Sokoto state.
