In a bid to deepen grassroots involvement in reproductive health, the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHCDA), in partnership with The Challenge Initiative (TCI), has empowered Ward Development Committees (WDC) to lead the charge in promoting family planning services in local communities.
This initiative, which covers ten local government areas, marks a shift toward community-led advocacy in reproductive health, particularly focusing on child spacing and access to family planning resources.
At the heart of the sensitization effort, which spanned two days, was the message of equipping local leaders and trusted community voices with the tools to break down barriers around family planning. Dr. Bello Mohammad Kilgori, the TCI Manager in Sokoto, highlighted the pivotal role of WDCs in dispelling common myths, educating families on the benefits of childbirth spacing, and ensuring local acceptance of contraceptive methods.
“We believe the WDCs are best positioned to drive this change because they are rooted in the communities and have the trust of the people,” said Dr. Kilgori. “Our goal is to empower them with knowledge and resources to become advocates for family planning, which is crucial for maternal and child health.”
The emphasis on local involvement was central to the discussions during the event, with stakeholders stressing the need for grassroots strategies. The WDCs were urged to conduct door-to-door campaigns, community meetings, and workshops to address cultural and religious misconceptions about family planning. As respected figures within their areas, the committees are seen as a bridge between healthcare providers and communities that are often hesitant to embrace modern contraceptive practices.
Bala Gadanga, Chairman of the WDC in Sokoto South Local Government, spoke passionately about the impact of advocacy visits in shifting attitudes toward family planning. “When people see familiar faces speaking about these issues, they are more likely to listen and reconsider their perspectives. Our role is to clear the doubts and fears that hold people back from using these services,” he noted.
The WDC-led advocacy is expected to not only improve family planning uptake but also create a more supportive environment for reproductive health at the community level. With backing from local leaders and policymakers, the initiative is fostering an atmosphere where discussions on family planning can be held openly, reducing stigma and empowering families to make informed decisions.
Through this collaborative approach, TCI and SSPHCDA are building a sustainable model for reproductive health advocacy, one where the power to effect change lies within the communities themselves. As Sokoto State continues its efforts to improve maternal and child health, the involvement of WDCs is a crucial step in ensuring that these gains are both far-reaching and long-lasting.
