UNFPA partners Lagos, GoMed to expand reproductive health services for Nigerian students

A new digital self-care initiative aims to enhance reproductive health services for Nigerian students through a partnership between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Lagos State government, and GoMed Nigeria. The program, launched on Wednesday, will first serve students at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). It will provide free contraceptives and other sexual and reproductive health supplies. The initiative seeks to dismantle obstacles such as cost, distance, stigma, misinformation, and privacy concerns that often deter young people from seeking essential health services. Partners highlighted that these barriers contribute to unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted infections, and educational disruptions. A 2025 study in the African Journal of Stability and Development also noted low utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among female students due to factors like stigma, financial constraints, and confidentiality worries. Through the platform, UNILAG students will receive free contraceptives and health commodities from the Lagos State Ministry of Health and UNFPA. They will also access discounted health products with discreet delivery to campuses and hostels. Additionally, students can find sexual and reproductive health information via UNFPA's SoftLife 247 and U-Plan platforms, where they can chat with family planning providers. GoMed's pharmacists will offer confidential guidance on medicines and health products. This initiative supports UNFPA's goal of meeting the unmet need for family planning among young people and aligns with the Lagos State government's objectives to reduce unintended pregnancies and STIs while expanding youth-friendly health services. GoMed Nigeria CEO Anthony Edeki stated the platform brings trusted healthcare closer to students, protecting their privacy and removing barriers to essential health information and products.

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Students should be able to get reliable health information and essential products without cost, distance or fear of judgement becoming barriers. This platform brings free sexual and reproductive health commodities, other affordable health products and professional guidance together, with discreet delivery directly to students on campus.