By Joy Salami
Key stakeholders in the health sector in Kogi state recently took to major streets in Lokoja the State capital to create awareness about contraception as well as promote better sexual and reproductive health.
This was part of activities organised to celebrate the 2024 World Contraception Day (WCD).
The event was organised by Kogi State Government in partnership with the State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA).This marks the state’s inaugural commemoration of the day, aimed at raising awareness about contraception and promoting better sexual and reproductive health.
The event featured a vibrant roadshow designed to inform both men and women about contraception, empowering them to make informed choices about their sexual health.
The focus of the campaign was to educate the public on family planning, child spacing, and the various contraceptive options available.
Speaking at the event,Executive Director of KSPHCDA, Dr. Abubakar Yakubu, represented by Director of Administration, KSPHCDA, Mr. Ijalija Okpanachi David, he applauded the state government for its commitment to dispelling myths and misconceptions about family planning.
He emphasized the importance of accessible contraceptive options to improve family well-being, ensuring better-spaced and healthier families.
The State Clinical Training Officer and lead representative of Marie Stopes International, Mrs. Titilayo Falodun, highlighted the need to foster open discussions on contraceptive use.
“Promoting conversations around reproductive health helps both men and women make informed decisions for a healthier future,” she said.
Family Planning Coordinator, Mrs. Florence Idowu, applauded the collaborative efforts of the state government and its partners in launching the WCD for the first time. She called on other stakeholders to continue supporting the initiative, which she described as essential for improved family planning and reproductive health services in the state.
Acting State Coordinator of the World Health Organization,(WHO), in Kogi,Dr. Gwomson Dauda reiterated the importance of family planning in improving quality of life. He assured the public that all contraceptive methods available are safe and reliable, and pledged WHO’s continued partnership with the state to raise awareness and enhance healthcare delivery.
This year’s WCD theme, “A Choice for All, Freedom to Plan, Power to Choose,”underscores the importance of empowering individuals to make choices about their reproductive health.
The event concluded with the distribution of free male latex condoms and educational materials to further enlighten the public.
Some of the contraceptive methods highlighted during the event included condoms, vaginal rings, contraceptive implants, patches, oral pills, sterilization, intrauterine devices (IUDs), injectables, and lactational amenorrhea methods (LAM).
World Contraception Day is observed annually to promote informed decisions about contraception and reproductive health across the globe.
