FG committed to increasing Modern Contraceptives Prevalence Rate — Pate

Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has reiterated Federal Government’s determination to increase Modern Contraceptives Prevalence Rate (MCPR) to meet the Family Planning 2030 (FP2030) commitment target of 27 per cent.

He made the government’s stance known at a one-day Family Planning Stakeholders’ Accountability Meeting organised by the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP) in Abuja on Monday.

Represented by Dr Binyerem Ukaire, the Director, Family Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Pate said that the meeting was part of the FP2030 Accountability Framework piloting in Nigeria project.

He noted the role of Family Planning in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and reducing maternal and child mortality, stressing the need to
ensure access to FP products and services to women of reproductive age.

He also reiterated government’s commitment toward improving healthcare services, particularly at the subnational level and databases of FP service delivery for decision making.

On his part, Dr Ejike Oji, the Chair, Management Committee, AAFP & FP2030 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Focal Person, described Nigeria’s contraceptives prevalence rate as low, in spite of interventions.

He said “in spite of efforts from both government and private initiatives, modern contraceptive prevalence rate has remained low, staying at 12 per cent, while unmet needs still at 19 per cent.

“Low utilisation of family planning services has contributed to Nigeria’s poor maternal and child health outcomes, with existing maternal mortality ratio of 512/100,000 live births.”

Oji, therefore, stressed the need for collective commitment, prioritising FP funding as legislative agenda to increase access to products and services, to enable Nigeria to meet the FP2030 target.

Koessan Kwawu, Deputy Representative, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), emphasised the fund’s support in improving access to FP, preventable maternal deaths, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful practices.

He said “accountability and advocacy are the twin pillars of the family planning 2030 agenda. Countries such as Nigeria that have made FP2030 commitment have higher expectations.

“Nigeria’s FP2030 commitments, making progress, being inclusive and consultative in nature. Implementation of the strategies and ensuring accountability must also be our collective responsibility.”

He stressed the need to appraise achievements so far made and implement strategies, where necessary, to enhance accountability in national FP commitments and goals.

Mrs Geraldine Ita Etuk, the acting National President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), said accessibility and affordability are crucial aspects of family planning.

Represented by Dr Sarah Ogah-Aduwarim, a member of the council, the NCWS acting boss urged government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that family planning commodities are widely available and affordable, especially in rural and underserved areas.

She added that “no woman should be denied the right to make informed choices about her reproductive health due to lack of access or financial constraints.”