To enhance family planning services and maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) outcomes in Kwara state, the Society for Family Health (SFH), through its Delivering Innovation in Self-Care (DISC) 2.0 project, has called for stronger partnerships between SFH-DISC, state and local governments.
Speaking during an advocacy visit and orientation session at Ifelodun local government area of the state,
the country manager for Partnership and Collaboration for SFH-DISC, Jennifer Adebambo, emphasized critical role of collaboration in increasing access to self-care solutions, particularly self-injectable contraceptives, as a cornerstone of reproductive health care.
“Since 2020, the DISC project has created awareness and provided access to family planning (FP) and self-injectable contraceptives.
“DISC 2.0 is a continuation of this effort, aimed at strengthening health systems, increasing equity and promoting informed choice for women.
“In Nigeria, the project is implemented across nine states: Oyo, Ogun, Kaduna, Kwara, Katsina, Bauchi, Jigawa, Sokoto and Adamawa.
“This phase aligns with global self-care strategies, offering women greater autonomy over their health”, she said.
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Also speaking at the event, some community leaders expressed their support for the initiative.
The Odofin of Share, Chief Ahmed Odofin, representing the Olupako of Share, commended the state government and the SFH-DISC for their efforts to educate the people about FP and its benefits.
He pledged to spread the advocacy message across towns and villages to ensure widespread understanding of FP options.
Also speaking, the council chairman of the Ifelodun local government area, Hon. Femi Yusuf, assured full support for the initiative, committing to amplifying awareness campaigns for greater community reach.
“This project is vital for the health of our women and children. We will ensure it receives the attention and resources it needs to succeed”, he said.
The Kwara State Health Promotion Officer, Jibril Abdulkareem, who described the DISC 2.0 project as a groundbreaking initiative, said that it aligns with the state’s MNCH goals.
He urged citizens to leverage the programme to make informed health decisions.
Representatives of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also praised the project, highlighting its potential to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce unintended pregnancies.
Expanding Family Planning Services in Kwara State, the Kwara State Programme Advisor for SFH-DISC 2.0, Tolani Fagbohun, said that the project is now expanding to all 16 local government areas of Kwara state.
Fagbohun said that the expansion is supported by supervisory visits, aimed at equipping healthcare providers with skills and tools needed to deliver high-quality family planning services.
“Clients are especially appreciative of the self-care approach, which respects their privacy and alleviates financial barriers.
“The emphasis is on ensuring clients make informed and voluntary choices about family planning, free from coercion”, she said.
As part of improving on the initiative, she said that the DISC 2.0 project is focused on working within government structures, ensuring adherence to guidelines, and growing the market for self-injectable contraceptives underscores its commitment to strengthening the health system and promoting sustainable family planning practices.
“By empowering women with self-care tools, building capacity among healthcare providers and fostering partnerships with local stakeholders, SFH and its partners aim to drive significant improvements in MNCH indicators across Kwara state and beyond”, she said.
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