Religious leaders in Akwa Ibom State have pledged their continued commitment to family planning services because of the inherent benefits of empowering women to contribute to the economy of the society.
They maintained that though some members would prefer the natural method of Family Planning, there was a need for more awareness and sensitisation on the economic benefits of Family Planning.
They stated this during a one-day media round-table organised by The Challenge Initiative (TCI), held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State, and attended by stakeholders including journalists and civil society organisations.
Read also: Family planning services can reduce maternal mortality by more than 30 percent in A/Ibom
Isang Eyoumoh, secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Akwa Ibom State, who stated this during the meeting, said that Family Planning would enable women to be in good health to strengthen the economy of the family, adding that all hands must be on deck by church leaders to ensure the involvement of men in supporting family planning.
He allayed the fears about the alleged negative effects of the services while thanking TCI for working with the state government to provide family services in Akwa Ibom State.
In his remarks, Ahmed Isa, representing the Muslim community in Akwa Ibom State, said though there had been misconceptions about Family Planning among their members, it has ensured a healthy life for families, describing women as the bedrock of society.
“We are debunking the misconceptions about Family Planning that it was intended to reduce the population,’’ he said, lauding TCI for dissemination of information on Family Services and their benefits.
In her presentation on catalysing economic growth through funding for FP in Akwa Ibom State, Mandu Ekpenyong, chairman of Akwa Ibom State advocacy group, identified inadequate budgetary allocation for Family Planning as well as non-release of approved funds and limited voices in support of FP as some of the challenges.
According to her, there is also the nagging issue of inadequate male involvement as well as ineffective media involvement as contributing to the low-level response.
She appealed to the state Governor, Umo Eno to direct the prompt release of funds for FP services while Augustine Umoh, commissioner for health, should allocate more funds for FP and ensure prompt and timely release of funds.
According to experts, the High Maternal Mortality Ratio of about 520/per 100,000 live births is significantly higher than the Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 target to reduce the global MMR to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
Akwa Ibom has a modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate of 15 percent, a teenage pregnancy rate of 12.8 percent and an unmet need for FP of 32 percent.
Earlier, Obasesam Edet, a medical doctor and coordinator of TCI in Akwa Ibom State, urged journalists to do more to address the gaps in Family Planning services while also pledging support in the training and equipping journalists with the needed skills in FP reporting.
