As global donor funding for family planning continues to dwindle, experts and advocates have called for innovative local strategies to sustain reproductive health programs in Nigeria. This was the central message at the Family Planning Conference Post Media Round Table, held in Abuja and organized by the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP).
Urgency of Self-Reliance
Chief Moji Makanjuola, Executive Director of the International Society of Media in Public Health, emphasized the need for Nigeria to become self-reliant in financing family planning initiatives.
“We are so globally dependent, but the free funds are no longer available,” she stated. Makanjuola highlighted the critical role of family planning in driving economic growth, improving maternal health, and advancing national development.
She urged media practitioners to use their platforms to educate the public and advocate for policy change. “The media is as important as doctors, families, executives, and local governments. We all have a duty to promote what we learn and transform it into actionable resolutions,” she added.
Media’s Role in Advocacy
Dr. Ejike Oji, Chairman of the AAFP, echoed Makanjuola’s sentiments, emphasizing the media’s critical role in shaping public discourse and influencing health policies.
“Effective communication is key to driving health sector reforms,” Dr. Oji noted. “Anything you do, if it is not properly communicated, is like working in the dark.”
Dr. Oji acknowledged the contributions of journalists and key advocates like Dr. Laura, stressing the importance of collaboration between health stakeholders and the media to ensure vital health issues remain in public focus.
Legislative Support for Family Planning
Dr. Osaratin Okungbowa, Policy Advisor and Head of the Social Sector Division at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), called for stronger legislative backing to sustain family planning services in Nigeria.
“Without legislative support, achieving universal access to family planning will remain a challenge,” he stated. Dr. Okungbowa emphasized the need for laws and policies to guarantee consistent funding, regulate service delivery, and protect reproductive rights.
He urged stakeholders to provide data-driven evidence to legislators, showcasing the socio-economic benefits of family planning. “Legislators need compelling data to make informed decisions. Family planning contributes to economic growth, reduces maternal and child mortality, and improves public health outcomes,” he added.
Sustainable Domestic Funding
Inadequate funding remains a significant barrier to expanding access to contraceptives and reproductive health services. Both Makanjuola and Dr. Okungbowa stressed the need to move beyond reliance on external funding by exploring sustainable domestic financing mechanisms.
“There is a need for continuous dialogue between lawmakers, civil society organizations, and the media to bridge gaps in family planning programs,” Dr. Okungbowa said.
A Path Forward
As donor funding declines, these calls for local solutions, legislative reforms, and media advocacy underscore the urgent need for a renewed commitment to reproductive health initiatives in Nigeria.
The roundtable concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring family planning remains a national priority and a critical component of Nigeria’s development agenda.
