Despite increased awareness about family planning methods in Nigeria, only 17 per cent of the population utilize contraceptives, as health experts reveal.
They express concern that while over 90 per cent of Nigerians are aware of contraceptive options, there is a significant unmet need at 28 per cent. This low Contraceptive Prevalence Rate in the country is attributed to barriers such as limited access, funding, and available methods.
During a webinar marking World Contraception Day, experts stressed the importance of expanding access to contraceptives to improve health outcomes and reduce maternal mortality.
The theme for this year’s event, “The Power of Options: Empowering Choice, Enhancing Health,” underscores the significance of providing individuals with informed choices regarding sexual and reproductive health.
The World Health Organization emphasizes the role of contraceptives in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies.
Professor Josiah Mutihir, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, noted that cultural, economic, and logistical challenges continue to impede access to essential reproductive health services, particularly in underserved areas of Nigeria.
“World Contraception Day serves as a platform for sensitising the public on contraception—what it is, its benefits, and how individuals can access it.
“While awareness levels are high, with over 90 per cent of both men and women in Nigeria knowledgeable about contraception, the usage rate remains alarmingly low at just 17 per cent.
“Furthermore, Nigeria continues to grapple with an unmet need for contraception at 24.8 per cent, revealing a gap between knowledge and access to effective family planning methods.
“Nigeria’s Contraceptive Prevalence Rate has shown minimal improvement over the years despite the significant resources invested by organisations and projects,” it read in part.
Emphasizing the barriers preventing widespread contraceptive use, Mutihir said, “Poor funding from national, state, and local government authorities, commodity stock-outs and limited availability of contraceptive methods, untrained healthcare providers and biases in service provision, inadequate facilities and poor access to contraceptive services, especially in rural areas, cultural, religious, and political influences, further complicate efforts to promote contraception.
“Additionally, widespread myths and misconceptions, concerns over future fertility, and the fear of side effects deter many young Nigerians from embracing modern contraceptives. These barriers are further exacerbated by spousal disagreement, poverty, and the influence of religious and cultural leaders.”
The speaker called for a united effort to overcome barriers to accessing contraceptives in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for government intervention to secure funding, distribute supplies, and train healthcare providers.
He urged leaders from various backgrounds to advocate for family planning and educate their communities.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of advocating for policies that support contraception access and challenging societal norms that hinder family planning.
Private sector involvement was also highlighted as crucial for improving access to affordable contraceptives, especially in areas with limited resources.
Other speakers highlighted the importance of educating young people on reproductive health, educating religious leaders on family planning to address misconceptions, and involving men in reproductive health decisions.
“Many believers view contraceptives as immoral. By empowering leaders as influencers they can promote informed decision-making and encourage followers to adopt family planning methods, improving overall health and well-being,” shehighlighted .
They emphasized the role of Family Planning Champions in promoting informed choices and improving overall health and well-being.
