Pathfinder International, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), has identified factors that militate against effective uptake of family planning commodities in Nigeria.
At a three-day capacity building workshop on media content development, in Lafia, it revealed that lack of awareness and advocacy on family planning has contributed in impoverishing the country.
Speaking, the Nasarawa State Coordinator on Family Planning, Mrs. Salome Vincent, revealed that about 123 million women globally do not have access to contraceptives, especially those from developing countries.
According to her, Nigeria can demonstrate considerable efforts to achieving rapid economic development by adopting effective family planning policies.
Salome added that fertility declined can help some families out of poverty.
“If Nigeria will continue without check on fertility rate, our population will be double by the year 2040
“High rate of fertility can affect education, economy and agricultural development, as well as under develop a nation,” she stressed.
Salome further explained that family planning has enormous benefits that can help a mother regain health, give love and attention to her husband and as well as reduce maternal and infant mortality.
She urged both states and federal governments to ensure prompt release of funds for the conduct of family planning activities.
Earlier, the Media and Communication Officer, Pathfinder International, Somto Atuanya, disclosed that her organisation is driven by the conviction that all people regardless of where they live have the right to decide where and when to have children.
Pathfinder International, according to her, has worked in about 12 states in Nigeria on advocacy support.
Mrs. Somto, therefore, called on all stakeholders to support policies that promote family planning.
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