The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CON, has emphasized the critical role of family planning in driving sustainable development, urging its elevation as a national priority.
Speaking at the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference in Abuja on Thursday, Kalu highlighted the transformative impact of empowering individuals and families to make informed reproductive health choices. He underscored that such autonomy not only saves lives but also reduces maternal and infant mortality while fostering socio-economic progress.
This year’s conference, themed “Sustaining Commitments for Family Planning within the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative: Advancing Progress Toward Achieving FP2030 Goals,” served as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and accountability in addressing the nation’s family planning challenges.
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Despite notable progress, the Deputy Speaker acknowledged persistent gaps in access and implementation. He commended the federal government’s allocation of 1% of the health budget to family planning, urging state governments to replicate this commitment.
Citing research, Kalu noted that every dollar invested in contraceptive services saves three dollars in maternal and newborn healthcare costs. He proposed that these savings could be redirected to critical sectors like education, infrastructure, and healthcare, positioning Nigeria to harness its demographic dividend.
A Call for Unified Strategies
Kalu lauded the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for spearheading the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) agenda, noting its potential to unify strategies for addressing health challenges. He also highlighted the global significance of Nigeria hosting the FP2030 board meeting, reaffirming the country’s leadership in shaping the future of family planning worldwide.
“Data-driven and evidence-based strategies informed by tools like the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey are essential,” Kalu stated. He stressed the importance of prioritizing family planning as a national agenda and ensuring that policies yield measurable outcomes.
Partnerships and Accountability
The Deputy Speaker praised the accountability scorecards developed by the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP) as vital for tracking investments and ensuring resources reach those in need. He urged strengthened partnerships with initiatives like PISE-P and stakeholders across the board to bridge gaps in service delivery.
“We must integrate family planning into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, expand programs like Mamii, and engage religious and community leaders to build trust and advocacy,” Kalu added.
Kalu expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts required to make family planning a cornerstone of sustainable development in Nigeria.
The press statement was issued by Udora Orizu, Special Adviser on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
