Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has made significant strides in the healthcare arena by approving the allocation of N126 million for the procurement and distribution of vital family planning (FP) resources.
Taking the lead among Nigerian states, Governor Fubara is also spearheading efforts to finance the training of family planning service providers and enhance community engagement to boost demand for these services.
During a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, announced that the funds will facilitate the acquisition of long-term contraceptive solutions such as Mirena intrauterine devices (IUDs) and Levoplant implants, aimed at women seeking to space their births. Additionally, the funds will cover shorter-acting methods, including male condoms and Depo-Provera injections, which are administered every three months.
According to the 2018 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS), the national contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) is currently at 17 percent, with Rivers State exceeding this average at 19.6 percent, demonstrating a 2 percent advantage over the national index.
The nation has set a target of achieving a CPR of 27 percent, aligning with international development benchmarks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3 and FP2030.
Dr. Oreh expressed her gratitude to Governor Fubara, stating, “I commend His Excellency for approving and releasing N126 million for the procurement and distribution of essential family planning commodities, alongside capacity building for service providers and community mobilization efforts.”
She highlighted how the Rivers State Government, under Governor Fubara’s dynamic leadership, is addressing the funding gap for family planning resources, reinforcing the commitment to enhance modern contraceptive use and reduce unmet family planning needs, ultimately leading to lower maternal, infant, and child mortality rates.
“The expected outcomes include preventing unintended pregnancies, reducing the incidence of abortions, and saving lives,” she noted.
Dr. Oreh praised the Governor’s dedication to advancing health sector investments, aiming to close existing gaps in healthcare infrastructure and delivery. “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency for his steadfast commitment to improving the health conditions of our state. His leadership has been pivotal in driving the health sector toward excellence,” she added.
The Commissioner emphasized the essential role of family planning in decreasing maternal and child mortality rates while also contributing to economic growth and development.
Moreover, she pointed out that access to contraceptives is critical for achieving national and international development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goal 3 and FP2030 objectives. “Every naira invested in family planning and maternal health yields substantial benefits for families and society as a whole,” she concluded.
