NAN-HG-9
planning
By Awayi Kuje
Lafia, July 27, 2017, 2017(NAN) Nasarawa State Government on Thursday, called on communities across the state to embrace family planning services to reduce the maternal mortality rate of the state.
Dr Daniel Iya, Commissioner of Health, made the call in Lafia during stakeholders’ meeting for the presentation of finalised Nasarawa State Costed Implementation Plan (CIP) for Family Planning.
“Everybody is aware that Gov. Tanko Almakura has done well and is still doing his best to improve on the health status and wellbeing of the residents of the state.
“It is in view of this, I want to call on the communities across the state to embrace family planning services, considering its importance to the health and the socio-economic development of the state.
“Family planning strengthens the health of the woman directly and the man indirectly, saves the lives of mothers and makes significant contributions to reduce maternal mortality rate among women.
“It enables couples prepare adequately for next pregnancies and children and enables sexually active women and girls protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies,” the commissioner said
He urged participants to use the knowledge gained at the meeting to improve on the health of their host communities and Nigeria at large.
Also speaking, Mrs Edirin Aderemi, the Programme Officer, Pathfinder International, commended the state for taking the lead in developing the Costed Implementation Plan (CIP) for family planning in the state.
“We believe that the implementation of the plan will help improve maternal health as well as improve the quality of life of women,’’ Aderemi said.
Mr Yemi Osanyin, the Consultant to Pathfinder International, who presented the Nasarawa State CIP for family planning report, said that the CIP was four year old.
Osanyin said it was designed to help the state government to achieve their family planning goals.
He said that the goals, if achieved, would save millions of lives; improve the health and wellbeing of women and families.
The consultant said the family planning goals was extremely beneficial to the state and country as a whole
The meeting was organised by the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with an NGO, Pathfinder International.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting brought together health experts, experts from various ministries, agencies, the media, civil society organisations, members of state assembly and NGOs, among others.(NAN)
AKW/COF/DUA
Edited by Oluyinka Fadare