The Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), organised a High-Level Private Sector Engagement Forum on Family Planning (HLPF-FP) to reduce maternal mortality in the country.

Representing the wife of Lagos State Governor, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the Permanent Secretary, Health District VI, Dr. Cecilia Mabogunje, described family planning as an informed decision made by individuals or couples regarding the number and spacing of children.

She emphasised its far-reaching impact on socio-economic development, educational and career aspirations of women, and the overall well-being of families.

Mabogunje called for concerted efforts from relevant stakeholders to adequately fund family planning services and address associated challenges.

The UNFPA Resident Representative, Dr. Gifty Addico, represented by the Deputy Representative, UNFPA Nigeria, Koessan Kuawu, highlighted the urgency of addressing maternal mortality in Nigeria, noting its second-highest rate globally.

According to Addico, family planning could avert 23 per cent of maternal deaths annually. However, challenges persist, with a funding gap of $32 million in 2023, resulting in 19 per cent of women of reproductive age lacking access to family planning, as per the 2018 National Demographic Health Survey.

The forum aimed to mobilise private sector support to bridge these gaps.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom explained the reality of Nigeria’s maternal health situation, citing a high maternal mortality ratio of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births. This places a substantial number of pregnant women at risk, emphasizing the critical need for immediate action.

He emphasised the Federal Ministry of Health’s commitment to improving governance, population health outcomes, the healthcare value chain, and health security.

Kachollom discussed the significant investments made and challenges faced in increasing demand for family planning services and commodities, noting the rising procurement costs.

The High-Level Private Sector Forum aimed to secure private sector commitment to family planning, present the family planning investment case for feedback, and discuss plans towards actualizing FP2030.

Kachollom urged continued collaboration to create an enabling environment for innovative financing, technology-driven family planning programs, and local production of family planning commodities.