A Tale of Two Nigerias: Accelerating the Family Planning Policy Response
By by Vivianne Ihekweazu (Lead Writer), Nigeria Health Watch
Read the full story on Nigeria Health Watch
When The Economist published the article titled “Why the fertility gap between north and south Nigeria matters”, it seemed to be a timely discussion, especially as the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference (NFPC) is getting underway in Abuja. Surprisingly, the article barely made a ripple in the headlines, failing to generate widespread public discussions or political debate about the issues raised or their implications.
Courtesy of Nigeria Health Watch
A missed opportunity for a national debate
This muted response is concerning, considering The Economist’s rigorous analysis and global reach, which brought attention to an often-overlooked topic in Nigerian media. The fertility gap between northern and southern Nigeria is a pressing issue with far-reaching implications for education, economic development, and gender equity. An article like this should have sparked in-depth discussons, bringing a subject into the national discourse, that when raised in Nigeria, can be quite a contentious discussion. Instead, it highlighted a broader challenge, ensuring critical issues like this not only receive the visibility they deserve, but also drive the necessary policy actions and societal engagement to address them effectively.
Read the full story on Nigeria Health Watch
Stay tuned for more community-driven, community-inspired reporting from the 8th Nigerian Family Planning Conference, taking place December 3–6, 2024.