IWD: Experts list challenges facing family planning accessibility

Despite efforts by government and nonprofit organizations in the country, experts in family planning development have said that challenges continue to hinder Family Planning accessibility in Nigeria.

Speaking on the 2025 international women’s day (IWD), the Communication/Knowledge Management officer of the media development organization, Devcom, Suliyat Eletu and the country lead at The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria, Dr. Taiwo Johnson, said that such challenges include cultural and religious resistance to modern contraceptives, stockouts of Family Planning (FP) commodities due to supply chain disruptions and inadequate funding and policy gaps limiting service expansion.

The FP experts listed other challenges to include misconceptions and myths discouraging contraceptive use, limited male involvement in FP decision-making and poor healthcare access, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas.

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To sustain the gains of FP for the future, Dr. Johnson said that the country must ensure continued progress, by institutionalizing FP training in medical and nursing schools.

He also said that government should strengthen FP commodity security through improved supply chains and integrating FP into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programmes.

“Governments should foster community ownership through collaboration with CSOs and traditional leaders as well as expand government commitment to FP budgeting and funding.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s clear that family planning is not just about reproductive health—it’s about empowering women to plan their futures.

“It is crucial to highlight the role of FP in advancing women’s rights and empowerment. Access to FP services enables women to complete their education, participate in the workforce, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Moreover, childbirth spacing significantly reduces maternal and infant mortality rates, promoting healthier families and stronger communities.

The 2025 theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ calls for rapid advancements in gender equality. It focuses on recognising strategies and tools that drive women’s progress in education, employment, and leadership.

At DevComs “we strongly support the theme of the 2025 IWD through accelerating Women’s Access to Family planning (FP), which is more than just a health intervention—it is a catalyst for gender equality, economic empowerment, and sustainable development says the Communication/Knowledge Management Officer Suliyat Eletu.

Dr. Taiwo Johnson, the Country lead at The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria asserts that “by allowing women to make informed choices about their reproductive health, FP/Childbirth Spacing ensures better health outcomes, improved economic opportunities, and enhanced quality of life for families and communities”.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE