Experts have called on the federal government to increase funding for reproductive health, provide free pregnancy care, and make contraceptive commodities accessible to women.
They made this appeal at the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Summit 1.0, held to mark the 2024 World Contraception Day in Abuja. The event was organised by the Media Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria.
The summit, themed “A Choice for All: Freedom to Plan, Power to Choose,” brought together healthcare providers, policymakers, and civil society organisations to address Nigeria’s pressing reproductive health challenges.
The National President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Prof. Rosemary Ogu, called on the government to not only increase funding for reproductive health but also ensure the provision of free pregnancy care and accessible contraceptive commodities.
She emphasised the importance of education and demand creation, noting that primary health care centres need to be functional and effectively utilised.
“Contraception reminds us that there’s a strategy to prevent women from dying, enable them to go to school, and help adults reach their full potential,” Prof. Ogu stated.
She noted that rural communities face significant barriers in accessing family planning commodities, resulting in higher maternal mortality rates.
To address this, Prof. Ogu urged the government to increase funding for reproductive health, provide free pregnancy care, and make contraceptive commodities accessible.
She also highlighted the need for education and demand creation, ensuring that primary health care centres are functional and utilised.
“Nigeria has a demographic bulge; if we’re all healthy, Nigeria can become the greatest nation on earth,” Prof. Ogu concluded.
Similarly, the Country Director of IPas Nigeria Health Foundation, Dr. Lucky Palmer, called for universal access to modern contraceptives and comprehensive reproductive health services in Nigeria.
Palmer also called on the government to address the cultural and systemic barriers hindering access to contraception, especially for vulnerable groups such as adolescents and women with disabilities.
“In Nigeria, we often assume adolescents shouldn’t have sex, so they don’t need contraception. However, contraception should be free and available to all, regardless of age, disability, or marital status.”
“These women are often excluded due to systemic issues rather than individual limitations. It is time for Nigeria’s healthcare system to address these inequalities and ensure no one is left behind,” he urged, stressing the need for inclusive policies.
He further highlighted the stark reality that unplanned pregnancies contribute to over 1,500 maternal deaths annually in Nigeria, deaths that could be easily prevented with access to effective contraceptives.
“Contraceptives can prevent these deaths. It is a fundamental right for all, including adolescents, married women, and young men.”
Palmer also touched on the country’s restrictive abortion laws, stating that they limit access to safe abortion, putting women’s lives at risk.
He, therefore, called for the expansion of comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, including safe abortion options, to protect women from the dangers of unsafe practices.
“To prevent unnecessary harm, we need comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including safe abortion options. We’re committed to ensuring a healthier future for Nigerian women and girls,” he added.
The Board Chair of Media Health Rights (MHR), Dr Ufuoma Omo-Obi, highlighted the crucial need for accessible healthcare for Nigerian youths, particularly pregnant women, to reduce the country’s alarming maternal mortality rates.
He stressed that collaboration across sectors is key to ensuring all women have access to contraception, empowering them to take control of their reproductive health and openly discuss challenges related to family planning.
“Self-administered contraception, especially injectable methods offering three months of coverage, has been transformative in Nigeria, giving women greater autonomy over their reproductive choices.”
“This approach has been particularly effective in high-need settings such as IDP camps, where it eases the strain on healthcare workers and improves access during emergencies.”
“The WHO, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, has been instrumental in expanding these services across pharmacies, drug stores, and health facilities nationwide.”
To further improve contraceptive access and uptake, Dr Omo-Obi urged for increased public awareness, enhanced community-based services, and the training of health workers to support self-care interventions.
“Strengthening public-private partnerships will ensure the delivery of high-quality, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, ultimately reducing maternal mortality and improving the well-being of Nigerian citizens.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Association of the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Dr Ejike Orji, noted that while Nigeria has seen a 40 per cent reduction in maternal mortality over the past eight years, the country still holds the highest maternal mortality rate globally. He expressed concern that 70 per cent of those affected are girls under the age of 15.
Dr. Orji pointed out that family planning efforts have historically relied on donor funding. He stressed the need to make family planning a legislative priority, highlighting that the previous Minister of Health withheld funding for the past three years.
He, however, disclosed that the current Minister has already released $4 million, with donors contributing an additional $6 million.
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