Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
As the world observes World Population Day, a seasoned civil servant and strong advocate of childbirth spacing, Sala Bawa, has said that with their higher fertility rates and overstretched healthcare facilities, northern states stand at a critical crossroads.
Bawa, who was a former Director of Health, made the remarks in an exclusive interview with our Correspondent.
He said the message from health advocates is clear: Childbirth spacing is not merely a personal decision; it is a public health imperative.
This year’s theme, “Equipping Young People to Make Informed Choices About Family Planning,” underscores the urgency in a region struggling with high maternal mortality, widespread poverty, and limited access to reproductive health education.
“Family planning, especially childbirth spacing, is not just a health issue; it’s a survival strategy.
“When women are empowered to decide when and how many children to have, the ripple effect strengthens every sector health, education, and the economy,” said Bawa.
He said Northwest would continues to report one of Nigeria’s highest fertility rates, with many families in the sub region having eight or more children.
Yet, access to modern contraceptives remains limited especially among adolescents fueling cycles of poverty and preventable deaths.
Bawa stressed the need to educate young people and couples on their reproductive rights. “This is about breaking the cycle of ignorance.
“When young people understand the importance of spacing births, they make healthier, more informed decisions. That leads to fewer maternal deaths and stronger families.”
He emphasized that family planning should not be seen as population control, but as population health. “It’s not about reducing numbers it’s about ensuring quality of life.
Spacing births allows mothers to recover, improves child nutrition, and helps families achieve economic stability.”
Bawa urged Northern States Governments to intensify grassroots awareness campaigns and expand reproductive health services, saying myths and misinformation continue to stand in the way of progress.
With Nigeria’s population exceeding 220 million and projected to surge further by 2050, the implications of unchecked growth are impossible to ignore.
Bawa said, “Every child deserves a fighting chance.
“That chance starts with giving parents, especially the youth, the tools and knowledge to plan responsibly.”
On this World Population Day, the call from northwest would continue to be loud and clear: Childbirth spacing is not a taboo it is a pathway to a healthier, more sustainable future.
