Integrating Family Planning for Better Health Outcomes
By Alexander Chiejina, Nigeria Health Watch
Family planning remains a cornerstone of public health and national development, as emphasized by Prof. Sunday Adedini and Prof. Rhoda Mundi at the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference 2024. Prof. Adedini stressed the critical need to integrate family planning into maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) programs. This holistic approach not only supports Nigeria's commitment to achieving FP2030 goals but also tackles maternal mortality by ensuring comprehensive health services for women and children.
Prof. Mundi highlighted the urgent need for dedicated funding at all levels of governance, stating that achieving set family planning goals is impossible without consistent and substantial financial support. She called on stakeholders to commit to prioritizing family planning in funding allocations, emphasizing its vital role in reducing maternal mortality, improving health outcomes, and fostering economic progress.
The integration of family planning into broader health programmes and securing consistent funding will drive measurable progress in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. It’s not merely a health issue but a developmental one, with family planning pivotal in shaping a healthier, more prosperous future for the nation.
The call is clear: a united effort from all sectors is essential to ensure family planning receives the attention, resources, and integration it deserves to meet Nigeria’s FP2030 targets.
Stay tuned for more community-driven, community-inspired reporting from the 8th Nigerian Family Planning Conference, taking place December 3–6, 2024.