On the occasion of the 2024 World Population Day, Dr. Bode Oluwagbemi, a Consultant Family Physician, emphasized the importance of state governments enhancing budgetary allocation and advocating for family planning to overcome the cultural barriers and stigma surrounding it.
He stressed the need to address the challenges hindering the acceptance of family planning in Nigeria, such as cultural beliefs, misconceptions, and societal prejudices.
Naijatraffic learnt that, Dr. Oluwagbemi urged for a concerted effort to empower women, enabling them to make well-informed decisions about their reproductive health.
He highlighted the crucial role of advocacy and funding in eliminating obstacles faced by women and girls in accessing family planning services, thus contributing to a healthier population and promoting reproductive rights.
Dr. Oluwagbemi asserted that family planning is not just a choice but a fundamental human right that every woman and girl should be able to exercise freely.
“Family planning is not just a matter of reproductive health; it is a fundamental human right.
”It is the key to empowering women and girls to make informed choices about their bodies, their futures, and their families.
“The practice of family planning has a significant impact on environmental sustainability. By regulating population growth, it effectively alleviates the strain on natural resources and minimises environmental pressure.
“This fosters a harmonious and sustainable coexistence between human communities and the Earth, ultimately bolstering long-term ecological well-being,” he stated.
The physician underscored family planning’s pivotal role in achieving gender equality, economic stability, and enhanced healthcare outcomes, ultimately paving the way for a prosperous Nigeria.
They emphasized that World Population Day, commemorated annually on July 11, should serve as a poignant reminder of the imperative need for unfettered access to family planning services, a cornerstone of a brighter future.
