EKO NEWS
Gates Foundation, UNFPA Handover Family Planning Commodities to LASG
- Dr. Ogunyemi highlighted the pressure on healthcare resources due to the state’s rapid population growth and stressed the importance of family planning in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
- The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye highlighted the rising demand for family planning services in Lagos.
- Governor’s Special Adviser Expresses Gratitude for Vital Support
In a significant development for reproductive health in Lagos State, the Gates Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), officially handed over a consignment of family planning commodities to the state government.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the event held at the Lagos State Central Medical Store in Oshodi, marked an important step forward in improving access to family planning services throughout the region.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Nedu Forced Me to Make Controversial Podcast Remarks – Ugochukwu Nwokolo
- Nigeria to Introduce Rubella Vaccine for the First Time – Health Expert
- Osun Govt Begins Free Eye Tests, Glasses, Surgeries for 345,000 Pupils
During the handover ceremony, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, underscored the importance of family planning in managing population growth and enhancing maternal health.
She emphasized the key role men play in supporting family planning initiatives and expressed her gratitude to the Gates Foundation for their invaluable contribution.
Dr. Ogunyemi acknowledged the challenges posed by the previous year’s stockouts of family planning commodities, which left many residents without access to essential contraceptives.
She also highlighted the pressure on healthcare resources due to the state’s rapid population growth and stressed the importance of family planning in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
Recognizing the need to reach young and vulnerable populations, Dr. Ogunyemi noted that prevention is more effective than addressing unintended pregnancies after the fact.
Dr. Ogunyemi reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to investing in women’s health, reducing maternal mortality, and ensuring sustainable access to family planning services.
“Mr. Governor is fully committed to this cause, and we will continue to advocate for increased funding in our budget,” she stated.
Speaking in the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye highlighted the rising demand for family planning services in Lagos.
“With an estimated seven million women of reproductive age and another seven million sexually active males, family planning is a necessity,” he stated.
Ogboye, who was represented by the Director, Family Health and Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Folashade Oludara, acknowledged that Lagos State has struggled to meet the demand for contraceptives due to its rapidly increasing population.
He revealed that the Gates Foundation has committed $25 million worth of family planning commodities over five years, translating to $5 million annually. “This is one of the most consistent supply chains we will have.
It ensures that public and private healthcare providers can meet the needs of the population,” he added.
Dr. Ogboye emphasised the importance of integrating private healthcare providers into the initiative. He reassured residents that a variety of contraceptive options would be available to suit different needs.
“We are expecting additional shipments, and by the end of this quarter, we should have a full stock of implants, injectables, and other contraceptive methods,” he disclosed.
The Head of the Lagos Liaison Office at UNFPA, Ms. Abbigail Msemburi reiterated the organization’s commitment to ensuring that contraceptives are available and that healthcare providers are well-equipped to offer services.
She praised the Gates Foundation for its investment in family planning and reproductive health, noting that Lagos State is one of three states benefiting from the $25 million grant.
Ms. Msemburi pointed out that despite progress, challenges remain in ensuring that family planning commodities reach the people who need them most. She urged the Lagos State Government to expand domestic funding for family planning to ensure sustainability beyond donor support.
Reiterating the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing Lagos’ reproductive health challenges, She emphasised the importance of advocacy in changing societal attitudes toward contraceptive use.
FURTHER READING
- FUNAAB Mourns Professor Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver Suspected to Be Yahoo Boy
- “Stop Wishing Me Dead” – Dele Odule Fires Back at Rumormongers
The handover of family planning commodities marks a crucial step toward improving reproductive health services in Lagos. With consistent support from the Gates Foundation and UNFPA, the state is better equipped to meet the needs of its growing population.
However, stakeholders agree that sustainable investment in family planning is necessary to maintain progress.
As Lagos continues to expand, ensuring access to contraceptives will be vital in managing population growth, improving maternal health, and empowering women and families across the state.
Click here to watch video of the week
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at ekohotblog@gmail.com. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
