The Problem Initiative (TCI) has bolstered the significance of group mobilization, coaching, and demand era in selling sustainable progress in household planning (FP) consciousness and adoption throughout Lagos State.
TCI state programme supervisor, Dr. Omotunde Odanye, at a media roundtable organised by the FPLagos Media Advocacy Discussion board and supported by TCI, outlined the group’s efforts to extend household planning uptake. “Now we have carried out intensive group mobilizations to make sure better acceptance of household planning in Lagos. Quite a lot of mobilizers have been educated, and their capacities have been enhanced to interact with communities successfully. Demand era is essential, nevertheless it should be matched with enough provide, which is why we guarantee there are not any stock-outs of household planning commodities throughout services,” Dr. Odanye acknowledged.
TCI‘s technique focuses on deploying educated mobilizers to areas with the best want and integrating household planning schooling into different well being providers. In line with Odanye, “Mobilizers have interaction girls accessing different well being providers, educating them about household planning choices. If a girl decides to undertake a way, she will instantly entry the service.”
Efforts additionally goal those that might delay their resolution. “Even when the choice is postponed, the ladies depart with correct info and assets to entry providers when they’re prepared,” Odanye added. Highlighting the initiative‘s broader impression, Odanye famous, “Our mobilization efforts typically lengthen past our supported services. A lady would possibly obtain a referral in a single location however find yourself accessing providers elsewhere. This demonstrates the far-reaching results of our group engagement and media campaigns.”
TCI collaborates with native well being committees, educators, and media retailers to deal with misconceptions about household planning. “We work with voluntary well being committees, social mobilization teams, and media platforms like tv, radio, and social media to make sure correct info reaches the general public,” Odanye defined.
Regardless of vital progress, sustaining these good points stays a precedence. “We’ve seen exceptional enhancements in household planning uptake, however we should intensify our efforts to stop any decline. The security and well-being of Lagos State rely upon it,” Odanye emphasised.
As TCI seems to 2025, it plans to construct on its success by addressing documentation gaps, supervising service supply, and guaranteeing measurable outcomes. “Our methods are efficient, and we intend to maintain and enhance them to realize even better outcomes subsequent yr,” Odanye affirmed.
Chairperson of the Interfaith Public Well being Advocacy Lagos, Dr. (Mrs.) Ajoke Sariyu Ashiru, echoed the significance of household planning, whereas urging girls to area pregnancies to get well health-wise and financially. “Ladies ought to attempt to area pregnancies in a approach that ensures they’re well-rested and wholesome earlier than the following. This provides time for household, self-care, and monetary stability,” Ashiru suggested. She emphasised the necessity for cautious household planning primarily based on financial capability. “In case you can handle three youngsters, no drawback. If it’s two, plan correctly in order that it doesn’t negatively impression your loved ones’s well being or funds,” she mentioned.
Deputy director of Well being Training, Lagos state Ministry of Well being, Esther Samuel, highlighted authorities efforts to advertise household planning via coaching, group outreach, and the availability of important consumables. “We commonly run jingles on radio and tv, conduct well being outreaches, and prepare healthcare employees to make sure high quality providers. These initiatives goal to extend consciousness and encourage uptake,” Samuel defined.
