… UNFPA Facilitates Handover of Free Commodities Amid Growing Demand
… Governor’s Special Adviser Expresses Gratitude for Vital Support
The Lagos State Government today received a significant boost in its reproductive health efforts as the Gates Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), officially handed over a consignment of family planning commodities to the state. The event, held at the Lagos State Central Medical Store in Oshodi, marked a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve access to family planning services in the state.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi emphasised the importance of family planning in managing the state’s population growth and improving maternal health. She highlighted the critical role that men play in supporting family planning and expressed deep gratitude to the Gates Foundation for its generous contribution.
Dr. Ogunyemi noted that while family planning is often perceived as a women’s issue, it is equally crucial for men to be involved. She lamented the stockouts of family planning commodities in the past year, which had left many residents unable to access vital contraceptives despite strong advocacy efforts.
She also pointed out the increasing pressure on Lagos State’s healthcare resources due to rapid population growth, stressing the role of family planning in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. The Special Adviser highlighted the need to reach young and vulnerable groups, emphasising that prevention is a more effective approach than dealing with unintended pregnancies later.
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.
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.