DTSG Calls For Family Planning In Delta

By Donald Ojebo

Delta State Government (DTSG) has reiterated the need for reproductive health and family planning for healthier families and a more prosperous society.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, stated this in Asaba in a message to commemorate the 2023 World Contraception Day.

“It is a day to raise awareness, educate, and empower individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive futures. Contraception is not just a matter of Reproductive Health; it is a fundamental right and a crucial component of comprehensive healthcare,” the commissioner disclosed.

He said that the day empowered individuals to make informed choices about their own bodies, their families, and their futures, adding that It played a n important role in reducing unintended pregnancies, Maternal Mortality and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.

According to the commissioner, “World Contraception Day was established by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in 2007 and adopted by governments of nations, including the Federal Government of Nigeria as an annual worldwide event. The theme for this year’s event is ‘the Power of Options’.

“Family planning has proven to be one of the cost-effective health promotion and disease prevention strategies capable of reducing Maternal Mortality by up to 30 percent and Perinatal Mortality by up to 25 percent. It also significantly prevents the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The commissioner stated that Delta State was committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, had access to Comprehensive Reproductive Health services and Family Planning options.

“Our mission is to reduce Unmet Needs in this crucial area and promote healthier families and communities,” he added.

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“Access to contraception should not be a privilege; it should be a right. Governments, Healthcare providers, and civil society organisations must work together to ensure that contraceptive services are affordable, accessible and non-discriminatory,” he said.

In another development, the Ministry of Health in the state in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and other partners organised a sensitisation walk along Okpanam Road to raise awareness on the day and distributed fliers and condoms to the people.

Dr. Weyinmi Francis, State Programme Manager, Reproductive Health, Ministry of Health, who spoke to the Press during the sensitisation walk, advised residents to visit any government health facility, Family Planning Unit with a view to take up any family planning commodity available and suitable for them at no cost.