The head of family planning at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Alex Ugochukwu, says family planning has reduced maternal mortality by 30 per cent globally and helped individuals better organise their lives.

Mr Ugochukwu spoke on Friday in Awka during a visit by representatives of the FMOH and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency to the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA).

Also present were officials from the Anambra State Ministry of Health, development partner EngenderHealth, and other stakeholders.

He stressed the need for increased grassroots awareness and accurate information on family planning.

“Globally, family planning reduces the rate of maternal mortality by 30 per cent.

“It helps women navigate life without disruption, and there is a need for proper information and enlightenment at the grassroots,” he said.

Also speaking, FMOH director of health promotion, John Umakpa, called on the state to create an enabling environment for effective stakeholder collaboration.

“With the staff of primary healthcare, we will get family planning right at the grassroots,” he said.

On his part, EngenderHealth Project Coordinator Afolabi Ahmed urged the Anambra State government to release counterpart funding for the effective implementation of family planning programmes.

He explained that the visit aimed to secure ASPHCDA’s support for planned training to build the capacity of family planning providers at primary and secondary healthcare levels.

Responding, ASPHCDA Executive Secretary Chisom Uchem assured the delegation of a seamless exercise for the family planning training set for the second quarter of 2026.

She said the agency remains committed to supporting partners and ensuring smooth programme implementation.

Ms Uchem added that the state government has consistently promoted responsible parenthood by encouraging citizens to have the number of children they can cater for.

She also highlighted existing policies supporting child and maternal welfare.

According to her, since September 1, 2024, every child conceived in the state is entitled to free antenatal care, delivery, postnatal care, and immunisation in government-owned health facilities.

Ms Uchem noted that free education is also available from creche to secondary school in public institutions.

Meanwhile, she called for a bottom-up approach to programme implementation, noting that each state has its own peculiarities.

 (NAN)