SFH highlights family planning challenges in Abia and Akwa Ibom

The Society for Family Health (SFH) has pointed out that there are shortages of important supplies, service tools, and training resources. These shortages limit the quality of family planning services in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

Eze Nwokoma, the Project Coordinator of SFH, shared this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja. This followed assessments made by the organization in the two states.

Mr Nwokoma said the assessments showed urgent needs for important supplies and resources. He stressed that fixing these problems is key to improving family planning services and reproductive health outcomes.

“These included the need for more service delivery commodities; high-end insertion kits for trained providers; anatomical models for ongoing skills development; and data collection tools to improve reporting,” he said.

He mentioned that SFH has taken action by supplying a range of family planning materials to the governments of Abia and Akwa Ibom. This is to fill the gaps and enhance service delivery.

According to him, the materials include high-end insertion kits, procedure kits, pelvic training models, family planning registers, monthly summary forms, provider training manuals, and family planning kits.

“These resources will support quality service delivery, boost routine data collection and reporting, and enable continuous on-the-job mentoring of healthcare providers.

“They will also ensure that health facilities are ready to provide safe, high-quality family planning services long after the project ends,” he said.

Mr Nwokoma said the materials were officially received by the Commissioners of Health and other senior officials in both states for their governments.

He noted that the state governments appreciated SFH’s ongoing partnership. They believe this intervention will enhance healthcare workers’ skills and help widen access to reproductive health services.

Both states also confirmed their commitment to maintaining the benefits of this partnership and creating a supportive environment for future collaborations in the health sector.

Mr Nwokoma described the intervention as more than just providing equipment. He said it shows an investment in stronger health systems and healthier communities in both states.

He added that by giving tools for ongoing provider training and improving routine data systems, SFH is helping to build a strong and sustainable family planning program.

“The long-term impact will show in better access to quality contraceptive services, improved reproductive health choices, fewer avoidable maternal deaths, and better health outcomes for women and families,” he said.

He stated that this initiative highlights the need for partnerships between governments and development partners to advance universal access to quality family planning services all over Nigeria.