In the heart of many communities, the stories painfully repeat themselves. Women arrive at hospitals carrying malnourished children on their backs, visibly pregnant with another child. Their faces tell a story of exhaustion and despair. At home, other children—often all under five years old—await their return. Many of these women have husbands who are either absent or unable to afford even the most basic medical expenses. Health workers, in a desperate bid to save lives, sometimes pay for treatments out of their own pockets. But how long can this cycle continue without addressing the root causes?
The data is as alarming as the realities on the ground. Nigeria has the second-highest burden of stunted children globally, with 32% of children under five affected. Northern Nigeria is the epicentre of this crisis, where stunting and wasting reach alarming levels. Chronic malnutrition not only heightens the risk of death but also impairs cognitive development, reduces educational and economic productivity, and creates ripples that cost Nigeria as much as 11% of its GDP.
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The crisis extends beyond malnutrition. In many cases, women in critical conditions of pregnancy are carried on makeshift stretchers for miles because families cannot afford transportation. Mothers bring their sick children to hospitals, only to return empty-handed because they cannot afford the cost of medication. At the core of these heartbreaking scenarios lie two interlinked issues: poverty and a lack of family planning.
Poverty, in turn, is exacerbated by a lack of education. It is a vicious cycle; without education, individuals cannot improve their circumstances. According to UNESCO, over 170 million people could escape extreme poverty if they attained basic reading skills. Yet, in communities where literacy is low and economic opportunities scarce, the cycle continues unbroken.
Some argue that religious beliefs discourage family planning. In certain interpretations of Islam, having many children is encouraged, and limiting family size is seen as contradictory to religious principles. However, this view overlooks Islam’s broader message of responsibility and moderation. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encouraged Muslims to multiply, but this was coupled with a directive to ensure children are cared for, educated, and nurtured. Bringing children into the world without the means to support them goes against the essence of Islamic teachings, which emphasise the dignity and well-being of every human being.
Unfortunately, modern contraceptives are often viewed with suspicion and dubbed “Western tools” aimed at reducing the Muslim population. These baseless fears have prevented many families from embracing birth spacing methods, even when such methods could save lives.
To tackle the issue of family planning effectively, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. Governments must prioritise family planning programs, making them accessible to all, especially in rural areas. This includes providing free or subsidised contraceptives, training health workers, and investing in outreach programs to educate families on the benefits of birth spacing. Religious and community leaders should leverage their platforms to dispel myths and promote responsible parenting.
However, these efforts will only succeed if we collectively break the conspiracy of silence surrounding family planning. For too long, it has been treated as a taboo subject rather than an issue of public health and national development. Discussions on family planning and birth spacing must become mainstream, normalised as part of community dialogues. Encouragingly, some respected traditional and religious leaders have begun addressing the topic openly, shaking the table of societal norms.
Unchecked population growth has undeniable economic implications. Nigeria is already grappling with high unemployment rates, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and limited educational opportunities. In Arewa, where poverty rates are among the highest in the country, rapid population growth exacerbates the already heavy burden on families. Many struggle to provide basic necessities, let alone invest in their children’s futures.
Family planning is not about limiting family size; it is about ensuring that every child is born into a family capable of meeting their health, education, and well-being needs. It allows women time to recover between pregnancies, improving their health and empowering them to contribute more effectively to their families and communities. It gives families the opportunity to make informed decisions about their futures, breaking free from the shackles of poverty and building a better life for the next generation.
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Arewa cannot continue along the path of unchecked population growth without sufficient resources to support it. The future depends on the actions we take today. We cannot afford to tiptoe around the issue for fear of controversy or backlash. The suffering of millions of women and children demands urgent attention. Family planning is not merely a health issue; it is a moral imperative and a cornerstone of regional and national development.
If we fail to act, the consequences will be catastrophic. But if we rise to this challenge, we can transform lives, uplift communities, and pave the way for a brighter future. For the sake of our children, our families, our region, and our country, let us take bold steps forward. The choice is ours, and the time is now.
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