700 Sokoto men, women get family planning kits

DKT Nigeria in collaboration with the Sokoto State Ministry Of Health has engaged in community outreach to create awareness on family planning.

The two-day family planning outreach was to promote family planning and emphasise the benefits of contraceptive methods and reproductive health services for the community.

According to a Tuesday statement, during the events held to honour the legacy of DKT International Founder, Phil Harvey, over 700 men and women had access to family planning products.

The recent events took place at Maryam Abacha Hospital and Offa Road, drawing significant participation and support from the community and dignitaries within the state.

The outreach programme aimed at improving the well-being of women and their families, and offered a range of contraceptive methods.

“During the two days of the outreach, over 700 men and women had access to family planning products such as IUDs, Implants and condoms as well as comprehensive health talks and vital checks conducted by experienced nurses.

“These sessions provided essential information on various contraceptive methods; the importance of family planning; child spacing and the positive impact these practices have on maternal health and overall family welfare and prosperity.

“The event was marked by the presence of notable dignitaries in Sokoto such as the Sarkin Yaki Gagi (Malami Marafa), who gave a charge to the women present about the benefits of embracing family planning.

“Other dignitaries from the Sokoto Ministry of Health were the Director Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Tukur Garba, Reproductive Health Coordinator, Family Planning Coordinator, Shafaatu Bello, and State Team Lead Monitoring & Evaluation, Salamatu Muhammed,” the statement said.

The statement noted that the participation of local leaders and healthcare professionals highlighted the collaborative efforts in play within the state and was an indicator that the people in the state were willing to embrace family planning and improve contraceptive health.

A June report by The PUNCH revealed that prevailing economic hardship in the country was forcing women to embrace birth control measures.

Family planning professionals have noted that economic hardship plaguing the country is pushing many partners into adopting compulsory birth control measures.

They also said the rising cost of living had resulted in multiple abortions among married couples, as they sought to limit the size of their families to lessen expenditures and strains.