Family Planning: Federal Min.of health, Zamfara to disseminate contraceptive commodities

From Ibrahim Kaulahi, Gusau

The Federal Ministry of Health and the Zamfara State Government have jointly met to support the dissemination of the national guideline for state-funded procurement of contraceptive commodities aimed to empower women to achieve economic growth through family planning in the state.

Speaking today (Thursday) at the dissemination meeting held at Command Guest Inn Gusau, the Director and Head Family Health Department of the federal ministry of health, Dr. Stella Nwosu, has appreciated the Government of Zamfara State for being among the first set of States that adopt the policy of the state-funded procurement of contraceptive commodities.

This, she said would serve as further steps taken by the State Government to give effect to the contents of the guideline with a view to providing adequate funds for procurement of family planning commodities so as to compliment supplies from the federal government.

“At this juncture, let me commend the United Nations Population Fund which has been steadfast in supporting the Federal Government of Nigeria and many of the States in the implementation of sexual and reproductive health interventions in Nigeria.

“The organisation’s support in the development of this very important Guideline and its contribution to making this dissemination a reality deserve much appreciation from the Government.

“Let me remind you that, Family Planning is globally recognized as an important strategy for the prevention of maternal morbidity and mortality. It has also been used by many nations to achieve remarkable socio- economic growth and development.

“The Government of Nigeria has long recognized this fact and it has been supporting interventions aimed at increasing the delivery and uptake of family services by Nigerians of reproductive age across our various communities”, she added.

In her remarks, the programme coordinator and head of office, Kaduna, Ms Loide Amkongo, stressed that, Family planning is not only a matter of human rights, it is also central to women’s empowerment, reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development.