Religious leaders trained in Lagos to support family planning

To strengthen religious advocacy for family planning, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) recently organised refresher training for the Interfaith Public Health Advocacy Lagos State (IPHAL).

The programme aimed to equip IPHAL members, a coalition of religious leaders from various faiths, with skills to effectively champion family planning as essential to maternal and child health across Lagos.

The training introduced the Lagos Family Planning Intensification Phase, highlighting IPHAL’s role in enhancing family planning initiatives statewide. TCI’s State Program Manager, Dr Omotunde Odanye, underscored that religious leaders hold significant influence and trust within their communities, making them vital advocates for family planning. “This training empowers them to integrate family planning messages into their teachings, promoting healthier families across Lagos State,” Odanye noted.

Dr Oludara, Director of Family Health and Nutrition at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, represented by Dr Adeleye, highlighted the urgent need for increased advocacy in light of Nigeria’s challenging economic conditions, urging leaders to support family planning for a healthier society.TCI’s mission includes supporting government efforts to expand family planning practices.

Odanye stressed that family planning preserves health and reduces mortality rates, particularly deaths from unsafe abortions. Monitoring and Evaluation Lead Oluwafemi Rotimi reported that modern contraceptive use in Lagos had risen modestly by 1.8 per cent from 2018 to 2023, highlighting the need for continued advocacy.

Head of Operations at Development Communications Network (DevComs), Akinlolu Akinpelumi, stressed the media’s role in amplifying messages, noting that while 66 per cent of women would consider family planning if endorsed by religious leaders, only 40 per cent actively support it. IPHAL Vice Chair Abraham Adekoya and member Alhaji Chief Imam Adedoyin Popoola encouraged clerics to advocate family planning to improve children’s quality of life and reduce maternal mortality.