By Alexander Chiejina, Nigeria Health Watch

Advancing Equity and Empowerment

The 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference, held from December 4-6, 2024, in Abuja, convenes policymakers, health experts, and advocates to champion equitable access to family planning as a cornerstone of national development. Under the leadership of Dr. Ejike Oji, Chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), the conference emphasizes family planning as a transformative tool that transcends health.

Dr. Oji highlighted that family planning saves lives, reduces maternal and infant mortality, promotes gender equality, and accelerates socio-economic progress. However, he also underscored the persistent disparities shaped by regional, educational, and socio-economic differences, which deny millions of women and girls the autonomy to make informed reproductive health decisions.

Investing in family planning has proven economic benefits. According to Dr. Oji, every $1 spent on contraceptive services saves $3 in maternal and newborn healthcare costs. These savings enable critical investments in education, infrastructure, and healthcare, fostering conditions to achieve Nigeria’s demographic dividends.

Dr. Martin Migombano, Managing Director of FP2030 NWCA, emphasized the need to integrate family planning services into Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) services in hospitals. This approach ensures comprehensive healthcare delivery and expands access for women and families.

As the conference progresses, stakeholders are called to address inequities and drive commitments that empower individuals and communities, positioning family planning as a catalyst for sustainable development in Nigeria.

Stay tuned for more community-driven, community-inspired reporting from the 8th Nigerian Family Planning Conference, taking place December 3–6, 2024.