The Lagos State government, through the Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, on Tuesday, called for equitable access to family planning services for people with disabilities, PWDS, in the state.
The General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, made the call during an interactive engagement with stakeholders held at the Multi-purpose Hall, Local Government Council, Ikeja.
Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by the Director of Admin and Human Resources of the agency, Mrs. Omolade Sonubi, said that the advocacy programme model was designed to promote inclusive access for PWDs in the state.
She stated that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has consistently championed the needs of people with disabilities in the state and has approved numerous interventions that have empowered PWDs in Lagos.
“This forum is not just about family planning; it is a powerful step towards inclusion, empowerment, and informed decision-making. Family planning is for everyone, regardless of ability, gender, or background. It is about giving individuals the right to make choices about their babies, bodies, health, and their future.
“We understand that persons with disabilities often face unique challenges, from physical barriers to social misconceptions, but we are here to break those barriers, to share knowledge, listen to experiences, and ensure that no one is left behind,” she said
Oyetunde-Lawal emphasised that the government is engaging them to raise awareness about their reproductive health, its impact on their standard of living, and to enable them to make informed decisions.
In her remarks, Mrs Olukanni-Abokhai Eniola, the Director of Medical Rehabilitation, Mobility Aids, and Appliances at the agency, stated that the state is fostering the inclusion agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration by ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to family planning services.
She reiterated that the government has established collaborations with various development partners working to supply consumables used for family planning services.
The Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Tolani Ojuri, applauded the initiative but stressed the need for collaboration between the government and the disability clusters.
He said, “The disability community is not a homogeneous group; we have the deaf, blind, albinism, leprosy survivors, persons with physical disability, and those with neurological disorders, among others. And all those people, when they get to the hospital, have different needs. Disability issues have shifted away from the charity model to a more effective basis. Everyone needs access to family planning. It is better for the government in the long run, as it is cheaper. It is also cheaper for the citizens.”
At the event, family planning experts and others took turns analysing the importance of family planning, gender-based violence, among other issues, which, according to them, would save costs and improve the quality of life for families.
