The Delta State government has said contraception is not just a matter of reproductive health but a fundamental right and a crucial component of comprehensive healthcare.
The Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, stated this in Asaba in a message to commemorate the 2023 World Contraception Day, reiterating the need for reproductive health and family planning for healthier families and a prosperous society.
While explaining that contraception plays an important role in reducing unintended pregnancies, maternal mortality and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, Onojaeme said World Contraception Day, is a day to raise awareness, educate, and empower individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive futures.
According to him, the day empowers individuals to make informed choices about their own bodies, their families and their future.
“Family planning has proven to be one of the cost-effective health promotion and disease prevention strategies capable of reducing Maternal Mortality by up to 30% and Perinatal Mortality by up to 25 percent.
Dr. Weyinmi Francis, State Programme Manager, Reproductive Health, Ministry of Health, during a sensitisation walk, advised residents to visit any government health facility or family planning unit to take up any family planning commodity available and suitable for them at no cost.
World Contraception Day was established by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in 2007 and adopted by governments of nations, including the Federal Government of Nigeria as an annual worldwide event. The theme for this year’s event is ‘the Power of Options’.
