Today, ARFH had the honor of welcoming key representatives from the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP) to our office. The visit was an opportunity for AAFP to express gratitude for ARFH’s significant contributions to the success of the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference (NFPC) and reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Family Planning (FP) services in Nigeria.
Strengthening Partnerships for Impact
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Kehinde Osinowo, CEO of ARFH, appreciated AAFP for elevating Nigeria’s global profile through the 8th NFPC, which aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) to reducing maternal mortality. She highlighted ARFH’s continuous efforts to complement the government’s role in the provision of FP and RMNCAH services, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to reducing maternal mortality rates (MMR) and expanding access to reproductive health services across communities.
Key Insights from the Meeting
Unprecedented Success of the 8th NFPC:
Dr. Ejike Orji, Chair of AAFP’s Management Committee and Focal Person for FP2030 in Nigeria, praised ARFH’s unwavering support during the conference planning, implementation, and follow-up phases. He noted that the conference exceeded expectations, with 1,270 participants, including religious and community leaders, policymakers, youth (25% of attendees), and major global donors such as the FP2030 Secretariat, Gates Foundation, and FCDO. High-profile dignitaries like Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and former Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole were also in attendance.
Mobilizing Domestic Funding Amidst Global Challenges:
With global funding for FP dwindling, AAFP announced plans to establish an advocacy committee to drive increased domestic financing for FP services and reinforce strategies to reduce maternal mortality.
Sustaining Knowledge Sharing Through Digital Access:
The NFPC digital platform will remain open for a year, ensuring continuous access to key conference insights and learnings.
Enhancing Community Engagement in FP Advocacy:
Prof. Ladipo Ladapo, President Emeritus of ARFH and Founding Chair of AAFP, emphasized the urgent need for sustained domestic funding and community-driven advocacy. He underscored the importance of repetitive communication in local languages through religious and cultural leaders, citing the successful NURHI project as a model for driving FP uptake.
Investing in Midwifery and Maternal Health:
Dr. A. A. Adeyemi, Board of Trustees (BOT) Member of AAFP, stressed the importance of reducing unintended pregnancies to improve child well-being and lower MMR. She also advocated for enhancing midwifery services at the community level, ensuring that women, especially in rural areas, receive quality maternal care.
Strengthening Youth Engagement & Service Integration:
Dr. Osinowo highlighted the importance of integrating FP into broader health services and investing in youth-friendly reproductive health initiatives. She proudly mentioned ARFH’s Youth Rescue Club, which continues to be a flagship initiative driving youth engagement in FP and SRH services. Additionally, she noted ARFH’s recent efforts in training teachers, nurses, and healthcare workers on youth-friendly service provision, emphasizing the need for continuous engagement of young people in FP advocacy.
Those Present at the Meeting
AAFP Delegation
- Ladipo Ladapo– President Emeritus, ARFH & Founding Chair, AAFP
- Ejike Orji– Chair, AAFP Management Committee & Focal Person for FP2030 in Nigeria
- A. A. Adeyemi– BOT Member, AAFP
- Ike Emediobi– AAFP Member
- Okoh Enenche– AAFP Member
- Nkiru Duru– AAFP Member
ARFH Representatives
- Kehinde Osinowo– CEO, ARFH
- Kolapo Oyeniyi– Director of Programs, ARFH
- Uba Sabo– Program Manager, CODSAiN project
- Samson Olorunju– M&E Manager
- Samson Odukogbe– Knowledge & Communications Officer
- Nasa Oyelade– Demand Generation Officer
- Ayinla Ayomide– M&E Officer
Moving Forward Together
The visit reinforced the importance of sustained collaboration and advocacy in scaling up family planning efforts to empower women, support youth, and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system. As a leading advocate for SRH, RMNCAH, and FP services, ARFH remains committed to driving impactful change and fostering partnerships that will improve reproductive health outcomes nationwide.
Let’s continue to work together to ensure universal access to quality FP services and a healthier future for all!
