By Milcah Tanimu
The Commissioner for Health in Borno State, Professor Baba Gana, disclosed that only 6.7% of married women in the state are utilizing modern contraceptive methods. He made this announcement during an event commemorating the 2023 World Contraceptive Day (WCD) in Maiduguri on Tuesday.
Professor Baba Gana emphasized the importance of increasing awareness and access to contraception in Borno, as the current usage rate of modern contraceptive methods falls short of the 17% needed to meet the demand effectively.
“In Borno, only 6.7% of currently married women are using modern contraceptive methods, while the need for contraceptives is at 17%. This figure underscores the necessity to invest in, enhance, and promote the use of contraception,” he stated.
He further emphasized that the appropriate use of contraception is crucial for the health and well-being of women and newborns. Government health providers and sexual reproductive health partners, such as the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), are dedicated to raising awareness and providing contraceptive services to address this need.
Dr. Mala Abdulwahab, Deputy Director of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, highlighted the shift in perception toward contraceptive use in Borno, particularly after renaming “Family Planning” to “Child Spacing.” This change aimed to emphasize the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity.
Out of the 436 health facilities in Borno, only 269 currently offer family planning services. To address this gap and improve access to contraception, stakeholders are actively promoting the diverse range of contraceptive methods available, including hormonal options, barrier methods, and Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants.
Mr. Kelvin Chukwuemeka, the UNFPA representative, stressed the importance of providing a variety of contraceptive options to empower Borno women to choose the method that best suits their needs, lifestyle, health considerations, and future plans. The goal is to enhance family planning, child spacing, and overall well-being in the state.
Religious and traditional leaders also contributed to the discussion on the importance of child spacing during the event. The theme for this year’s World Contraceptive Day is ‘The Power of Options,’ highlighting the significance of providing a comprehensive array of contraceptive methods to cater to diverse needs and promote autonomy in family planning decisions.
