VOICE AIR MEDIA, VAM News Update
THE Family Planning State Coordinator for the Osun Ministry of Health, Mrs Abatan Ololade, has shared insights on why people need to embrace and enrol for family planning, says that due to the present economic situation in the country, Nigeria.
The family planning expert disclosed this at a three-day training on media advocacy for family planning in Osogbo, Osun state capital.
The training was organised by Development Communication Network, a media-development capacity non-profit organisation, in support of The Challenge Initiative (TCI), also a non-profit organisation, seeks to fortify the media’s role in shedding light on family planning issues.
A Response to Economic Strain
The prevailing economic conditions have inadvertently played a pivotal role in this shift towards family planning.
According to Mrs. Abatan, the financial strain felt by many families has made it easier for the ministry to promote family planning services. Women, facing the reality of providing for their existing children under these tight conditions, are more readily seeking out these services with minimal persuasion needed. This development marks a significant departure from the traditional resistance encountered by family planning advocates in the region.
Challenging Misconceptions
Another critical aspect of Mrs. Abatan’s advocacy work involves addressing and dispelling the misconceptions surrounding family planning, particularly among men. The notion that family planning could lead to promiscuity has been a stubborn myth to dismantle. Mrs. Abatan emphasizes that, contrary to this belief, family planning fosters better family management and cooperation between spouses. It’s about giving couples the tools to plan their families according to their means, ensuring a higher quality of life for both parents and children alike.
The engagement of Osun State with The Challenge Initiative since November 2021 has catalyzed advocacy efforts, extending to 40 facilities across 10 local government areas. This demand-driven approach underscores the community’s growing recognition of the value of family planning. The state’s proactive stance, supported by organizations like TCI and the Development Communication Network, is a testament to the potential of targeted advocacy and training in enhancing family planning programs.
Family planning
“Family planning is about effective management of the home, and we are appealing to our men to support their wives.”
In his remarks, Mayowa Adeniran, media engagement trainer for development communication, said the objective of the training was to strengthen the capacity of journalists on effective reportage of family planning in the state.
Mr Adeniran said the training was to equip journalists in the state to be champions and advocates of family planning.
Also, Olatunde Raimi, TCI research, monitoring, and evaluation technical support lead, said in his presentation that the state expressed interest in the organisation in November 2021.
Raimi said that since then, TCI has supported 40 facilities within 10 local government areas in the state on advocacy for family planning.
“It is a demand-driven process which led to the state qualifying for the grant to support the family planning programme,” he said.
In conclusion, the narrative unfolding in Osun State is both a reflection of the times and a beacon of hope. It showcases how economic pressures can lead to positive societal shifts, with women at the forefront of adopting family planning methods for a more secure future.