By Onyinye Oranezi, Nigeria Health Watch

In a world where access to reproductive health can change lives, the conversation is shifting towards ensuring inclusive, sustainable solutions. At a recent session focused on Private Sector Engagement for Strengthening Family Planning and Reproductive Health Supply Chains in Humanitarian Crises, discussions moved beyond typical targets to critical questions of quality, accessibility, and long-term impact.

Speakers drew attention to essential elements such as quality assurance, data integrity, and the importance of state-backed interventions for sustainability. Yet, a striking moment came when a member of the audience asked a simple yet profound question: Where are the sign language interpreters?

Inclusion in Family Planning: An Overlooked Priority
This question served as a reminder of the ongoing challenge many face when accessing family planning services—particularly those with disabilities. The absence of sign language interpreters was highlighted as a gap in service provision, and it opened up a broader discussion on how family planning interventions must evolve to cater to everyone, regardless of their ability.

Ensuring that people with disabilities have access to family planning services is not just a matter of adding interpreters; it is about reshaping service delivery to meet the needs of all individuals. Participants affirmed the necessity of adapting these services to include those with hearing impairments, urging for greater attention to inclusivity at every level—whether through advocacy, policy change, or private sector collaboration.

The Role of State-Level Support for Sustainability
In addition to inclusivity, the importance of state-level backing for family planning interventions was a recurring theme. State governments were encouraged to take the lead in ensuring that family planning services are not only accessible but also sustainable in the long run. The call was clear: without strong support from state governments, these interventions may not endure or reach those in most need, especially in humanitarian settings where the supply chains are often most fragile.

The discussions reinforced that sustainability must be about more than just funding. It requires quality data, strategic advocacy, and a consistent focus on ensuring interventions meet the demands of diverse populations.

Adapting Services for Real Impact
As conversations progressed, the need for innovation and adaptation became even more evident. Participants called for creative approaches and practical solutions to address these gaps, ensuring that family planning services could truly reach the last mile. The adaptation of services—whether through the inclusion of sign language interpreters or developing more accessible programmes—was seen as vital to creating impactful, long-term change.

Ultimately, these conversations underscored that family planning is not just about providing a service; it’s about empowering communities, lifting barriers, and ensuring that everyone, including people with disabilities, can access the care they need.

Stay tuned for more community-driven, community-inspired reporting from the 8th Nigerian Family Planning Conference, taking place December 3–6, 2024.