To reduce the burden of maternal morbidity and mortality in Delta State, the state government yesterday reaffirmed its full commitment to enhancing reproductive health and family planning, ensuring that every woman in the state can access safe and effective contraception, regardless of her socioeconomic status.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this in Asaba when he unveiled the multimillion-naira Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) equipment donated by Deep Kumar Tyagi (DKT), a USA-based non-governmental organization (NGO).

Dr. Onojaeme, while applauding DKT for the much-needed facilities, said the equipment will undoubtedly aid family planning services in the state. He added that DKT’s unwavering support will go a long way in meeting the growing demand for family planning services, particularly the LARC methods, which are crucial for promoting long-term reproductive health.

According to the Commissioner, who spoke through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary (PS), Dr Philomena Okeowo, family planning plays a vital role in reducing maternal and child mortality, preventing unintended pregnancies, and giving individuals and families the freedom to plan their future.

He added that the provision of these resources, coupled with the ongoing training of health workers in the state, will empower the trainees with the skills and resources they need to deliver high-quality, client-centred care across the state.

The promotion of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception methods, he noted, is essential, as they provide reliable long-term solutions for women who seek control over their reproductive health.

The Commercial Director of DKT International Nigeria, Macaulay Gory, said the international NGO has trained no fewer than 440 healthcare workers across 11 states in Nigeria, including Delta State, to upgrade their skills in family planning services.

He explained that health workers from Delta State were selected from 40 primary healthcare centres across the state’s 25 councils for the training.

Gory revealed that it cost the NGO, which currently operates in 43 countries globally, the sum of N17m to train each batch of health workers, “all to ensure that no woman dies through childbirth.”

He advised women to give birth to the number of children they can care for, emphasizing that every child should be wanted.