The Sokoto government has called on stakeholders in the health sector to sustain the progress made in family planning and other reproductive health services across the state.

Faruku Wurno, commissioner for health, made the appeal on Thursday in Sokoto during a cascading training for Long-Acting Reversible Contraception providers.

The training focused on disability inclusion, hormonal IUDs, and Levoplant for experienced health workers.

The training was organised by MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices in collaboration with the Sokoto State Ministry of Health and supported by the United Nations Population Fund.

Mr Wurno emphasised that improved knowledge, attitude, and practices, combined with intensified efforts, had contributed to the growing reach and acceptance of family planning and other reproductive health services in health facilities across the state.

He urged participants to take the training seriously and to recognise existing gaps in reproductive health services to improve women’s health outcomes in Sokoto.

The commissioner commended project partners and encouraged participants to contribute meaningfully to advancing women’s health in the state.

In her remarks, the UNFPA representative in Sokoto, Gloria Enuaze, stated that the training aimed to strengthen the capacity of health providers in modern family planning techniques and share experiences.

“This is a bold step towards equity, inclusivity, and equality in sexual and reproductive health services,” she said.

Ms Enuaze explained that the programme integrated disability inclusion into long-acting reversible contraception services.

She added that the inclusion of hormonal IUDs and Levoplant demonstrated a commitment to expanding contraceptive options, enhancing provider skills, and ensuring clients received comprehensive, person-centred care.

David Adelerin, clinical officer and policy and training lead at MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices said the training highlighted available child spacing options and the health benefits of IUDs.

Mr Adelerin noted that the programme aimed to improve participants’ ability to make informed decisions and increase women’s health outcomes across the state.

He also lauded Sokoto’s positive response to family planning initiatives, attributing the success to effective demand creation strategies.

(NAN)