Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHCDA) has in collaboration with The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Sensitized Ward Development Committees’ access to Family planning services and utilization in the state.
Dr. Bello Mohammad Kilgori, the TCI Manager in the state while addressing stakeholders at the two-day program, said TCI is working in Ten local government areas of Sokoto state namely Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Kware, Gwadabawa, Silame, Tambuwal, Wammako, Wurno, Bodinga and Dange/Shuni.
He said the two-day engagement aims to create awareness of the benefits of family planning and improve access to family planning services in Sokoto state.
Stakeholders speak on the importance of child spacing, the several methods and public misconceptions of childbirth spacing, and the effort to create awareness.
Stakeholders at the WDC roundtable meeting duel on the importance and roles of community resource groups in raising awareness on childbirth spacing, as the trusted source of information within their communities.
The Ward Develop Committee provides education on the benefits of childbirth spacing and risks associated with closely spaced pregnancies and available family planning options.
The group at the meeting was also urged to organize awareness campaigns, workshops, community meetings, and home visits to share information on culturally appreciated and understandable ways of family planning.
“The WDC advocacy visits will help clear and dispel myths and misconceptions about childbirth spacing and contraceptive use.”
According to the WDC Chairman of Sokoto South Local Government, Bala Gadanga, advocacy visits on childbirth spacing at the community level would encourage a positive attitude and social acceptance of the practice.
They should also work to influence local leaders and policymakers to support reproductive health services among their subjects.
“The method will help create a supportive environment for childbirth spacing by mobilizing community support and reduce the stigma around contraception.”