RELIGIOUS leaders in Akwa Ibom State say they will continue to support and commit to the ideals of family planning services because of its numerous benefits, which include empowering women to contribute to the economy of the family and society in general.
The leaders expressed support to the important services at a one-day media roundtable organised by The Challenge Initiative (TCI), held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital and attended by stakeholders, including journalists and civil society organisations.
They expressed the need for greater awareness and sensitisation on the economic benefits of family planning, though some members believe and prefer natural methods of family planning.
The secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Akwa Ibom State chapter, Pastor Isang Umo, who represented the Christian faith at the meeting, said family planning will enable women to be in good health to strengthen the economy of the family, adding that all hands must be on deck by church leaders to ensure the involvement of men in supporting family planning.
He allayed the fears about the alleged negative effects of the services while thanking TCI for working with the state government to provide family services in the state.
In his remarks, Ahmed Isa, representing the Muslim community in Akwa Ibom State, said though there had been misconceptions about family planning among their members, it has ensured a healthy life for families, describing women as the bedrock of society.
“We are debunking the misconceptions about family planning that it was intended to reduce the population,’’ he said, lauding TCI for dissemination of information on family services and their benefits.
In her presentation on catalysing economic growth through funding for family planning in Akwa Ibom State, Mandu Ekpenyong, chairman of Akwa Ibom State advocacy group, identified inadequate budgetary allocation for family planning as well as non-release of approved funds and limited voices in support of family planning as some of the challenges.
According to her, there is also the nagging issue of inadequate male involvement as well as ineffective media focus as contributing to the low-level response.
She appealed to the state governor, Umo Eno to direct the prompt release of funds for the services while Commissioner for Health, Augustine Umoh should allocate more funds for family planning and ensure prompt and timely release of funds.
According to experts, the High Maternal Mortality Ratio of about 520/per 100,000 live births is significantly higher than the Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 target to reduce the global MMR to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
Akwa Ibom has a modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate of 15 percent, a teenage pregnancy rate of 12.8 percent and an unmet need for family planning of 32 percent.
Earlier, a medical doctor and coordinator of TCI in the state, Obasesam Edet, urged journalists to do more to address the gaps in family planning services while also pledging support in the training and equipping of journalists with the needed skills in family planning reporting.
Stressing the need to provide free family planning services, Edet said those who need such services are often the poor in the society who need help to survive and be less burdensome to others.
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