Kano State, Nigeria, is making significant strides in reproductive health with the recent launch of its Family Planning Strategic Plan in December 2024. This initiative aims to tackle pressing reproductive health issues, including high fertility rates, maternal and child mortality, and the dire need for family planning services.
With a total fertility rate of approximately 6.8%, Kano is witnessing rapid population growth, recording around 1,000 births daily. This surge is straining healthcare services, evidenced by alarming maternal and child health statistics: a maternal mortality rate of 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births and a child mortality rate of 103 per 1,000 live births. Furthermore, only 36.3% of deliveries are attended by skilled birth attendants, underscoring significant healthcare access gaps.
Despite an increase in modern contraceptive use from 5% to 10.6% between 2018 and 2023, unmet needs for family planning remain critical, with only 10.6% of women aged 15-49 using modern contraceptives. Cultural misconceptions, inadequate access to contraceptives, and a shortage of trained healthcare personnel pose ongoing challenges.
The Family Planning Strategic Plan seeks to address these challenges by targeting 845,114 women between 2025 and 2030 with improved access to modern contraceptives. The plan was developed through extensive stakeholder involvement and aims to align with Nigeria’s National Family Planning Blueprint and Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, Kano’s Honourable Commissioner for Health, emphasized the importance of collaboration and tailored technical assistance for successful implementation. Immediate priorities include expanding service delivery in underserved areas, launching awareness campaigns to combat cultural misconceptions, and training healthcare workers to improve service quality.
The plan also aims to integrate family planning services into immunization programs and enhance postpartum care, ultimately fostering healthier communities across Kano State.
Kano State’s proactive approach serves as a national model, demonstrating how targeted strategies can effectively address reproductive health challenges. As the region takes ownership of its Family Planning agenda, there is hope for improved maternal health outcomes and empowered women.
For further updates on this initiative and more health news, stay tuned to Newspot Nigeria.
Source; All Africa
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