Lagos tackling contraceptive barriers through community engagement, awareness campaigns — Official

Lagos State is actively working to dismantle barriers to contraceptive access through localized sensitization programs and widespread awareness campaigns. The state government aims to increase family planning uptake by engaging directly with communities, recognizing that improved reproductive healthcare is vital for the well-being of its residents.

Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, highlighted the strategic involvement of men, traditional rulers, and religious leaders. This approach is crucial for addressing deeply ingrained misconceptions and fostering greater acceptance of contraceptive methods. Ogunyemi specifically noted the importance of male involvement, especially concerning Intrauterine Devices (IUDs), as some women face spousal objections.

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We believe that no matter how you look at it, men still have this power over women’s choices.

Sustained campaigns have been instrumental in demystifying family planning, combating misinformation, and promoting accurate understanding. The government is also focused on expanding services to underserved areas, including riverine and hard-to-reach communities, by investing in primary healthcare facilities and increasing personnel.

Nigeria grapples with a substantial unmet need for modern contraceptives, a situation exacerbated by low uptake despite a large reproductive-age female population. This gap contributes significantly to the country's high maternal mortality burden, with unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions playing a major role. Public health experts underscore family planning as a critical intervention for improving maternal and child health outcomes. In parallel, DKT International has launched Avibela, a new hormonal IUD offering up to eight years of pregnancy prevention.

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We are working towards that. We need to build more primary healthcare facilities. We are hiring more people to go there.