The Borno Commissioner for Health, Baba Gana, says only 6.7 per cent of married women in the state use modern contraceptives.

Mr Gana disclosed this on Tuesday in Maiduguri while speaking at an event commemorating 2023 World Contraceptive Day (WCD).

“In Borno, only 6.7 per cent of currently married women are using modern contraceptive methods and unmet needs for contraceptives is 17 per cent,” said Mr Gana. “This figure shows the need to invest, improve and promote the use of contraception.”

He added, “We know the appropriate use of contraception is very important to the health and well-being of women, as well as the outcome of the newborn baby.”

The commissioner said the government health providers and sexual reproductive health partners like the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) remain committed to providing awareness and contraceptive services.

Also speaking on family planning in Borno, the deputy director of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), Mala Abdulwahab, said there was apathy towards it until the agency changed the name from “family planning” to “child spacing”.

“We made them realise that it’s not about reducing a community population but addressing maternal mortality and morbidity,” Mr Abdulwahab said.

He said that out of the 436 health facilities in Borno, only 269 offer family planning services.

In his remarks on behalf of UNFPA, Kelvin Chukwuemeka said access to various contraceptive methods would ensure that Borno women have access to choose what works best for them, considering factors such as lifestyle, health considerations and future plans.

“Family planning, childbirth spacing, and contraceptive methods range from hormonal options like birth control pills, patches, and injections, to barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms, and Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) like intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants.

“Each of these methods comes with its own set of benefits and potential risks, and by offering options, the people of Borno State can find what suits their preferences and needs.

“This diversity calls for a comprehensive array of contraceptive methods that cater to the unique requirements of everyone. This approach not only empowers the people of Borno to plan their families but also enhances their overall well-being and autonomy,” Mr Chukwuemeka said.

Other stakeholders who spoke on the importance of child spacing include religious and traditional leaders.

This year’s theme for the WCD is: “The Power of Options”. 

(NAN)