Tackle population, reproductive health challenges, don tells govt

Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Friday Okonofua, weekend, urged government and stakeholders to tackle population and reproductive health challenges in Africa towards improving living standards of citizens.

He also expressed optimism that Africa would rise again if it recognises and engages more females in positions of authority, saying: “Women are untapped resources for Africa’s development.”

Briefing newsmen in Benin City, while reviewing activities of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation (CERHI), the leader of CERHI, Okonofua said the vision of the centre is to be a leading institution providing innovative and transformational changes on matters relating to population and development and the improvement of the living standards of citizens in Africa.

Okonofua, the pioneer vice-chancellor of Ondo State University of Medical Sciences insisted that women hold the future for Africa’s development, despite certain religious, cultural and traditional beliefs.

He identified abuse of women as the greatest disservice the African continent and Nigeria still suffer till date.

He said promoting women’s rights is key to actualising women’s development and advancement.

“One of the major goals of CERHI under ACE III is to develop and implement a sustainable model for increasing the availability and applicable training of nurses and midwives needed to tackle the unique reproductive health challenges in the West and Central African region, particularly in rural, underserved areas,” Okonofua said.