Lagos gets family planning support for underserved communities

In a significant move to enhance reproductive health services, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) has donated a consignment of family planning (FP) commodities to the Lagos State government.

The official handover, which took place in Lagos, underscores the commitment of both parties to ensuring sustained access to FP services, particularly in underserved communities.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, described the donation as a milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to improve family planning accessibility.

She emphasised that while the government remains committed to providing FP services, the role of development partners like TCI is crucial in bridging existing gaps. “As a government, we are doing everything we can, but we always stress that we cannot do it alone. That is why partnerships like this are so important.”

“This handover is not just about receiving commodities; it is about reinforcing our collective responsibility to improve reproductive health outcomes. These supplies will help us reduce the unmet need for family planning, lower maternal mortality rates, and enhance the overall well-being of Lagosians,” Ogunyemi said.

She acknowledged the challenges of supply shortages and praised TCI for stepping in to address the gaps. She reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that FP commodities remain free and accessible to those who need them most.

“We don’t sell these products; they are meant for the people. They will be distributed to our primary healthcare centres and outreach programmes, particularly in hard-to-reach areas,” she added.

Ogunyemi assured that the commodities would be put to effective use and called on other stakeholders to continue supporting reproductive health initiatives in the state.

“Together, we are building healthier families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for Lagos State,” she concluded.

Also speaking, the Director of The Challenge Initiative Nigeria, Taiwo Johnson, reaffirmed TCI’s dedication to supporting the state in its mission to improve reproductive health services.

She stressed that family planning should be available by choice, not by chance, and that no woman should be denied access to FP services due to stock outs.

Johnson said, “We have been working with Lagos State for four years, but we intensified our efforts last year. Our goal is to ensure that every woman has access to family planning commodities.

“We have observed an increasing demand for FP services due to our community mobilisation efforts. However, demand without supply is ineffective. This donation is to ensure that whenever a woman visits a health facility or a community outreach programme, she receives the family planning method of her choice.”

Johnson disclosed that the donation included over 25 million male condoms, 57,000 injectables, 53,000 pills, and 6,843 implants.

She explained that these supplies would be distributed to facilities and mobile outreach programmes, particularly in 10 local councils identified as high-need locations.

“In collaboration with the Primary Health Care Board, health districts, and health facilities, we will conduct mobile outreaches in underserved areas, markets, under bridges, and other locations where women may not easily access FP services.

“This donation will help prevent stockouts and ensure that family planning services remain uninterrupted,” she said.