This week from 2nd-6th December 2024, the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference brought together a diverse array of stakeholders to reaffirm family planning as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The main conference, which began Wednesday after vibrant pre-conference sessions for youth, women, and interfaith groups, welcomed:
- Government officials and appointees, including Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, represented by the Permanent Secretary.
- Donorsand implementing partners working to advance family planning efforts across Nigeria.
- Youth and young people, representing over 60% of Nigeria’s population.
- Persons with disabilities, advocating for inclusivity in family planning programs.
- Faith-based and community leaders, bridging the gap between cultural practices and healthcare access.
- Civil society organizations, media professionals, and health advocates, amplifying the message of reproductive health.
- ARFH’s own luminaries, including Prof. Ladipo Oladapo OON, President Emeritus and Founding Chair of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning in Nigeria, and Dr. Kehinde Osinowo, CEO of ARFH.
Key highlights of the conference:
- Parallel and plenary sessionsaddressing critical family planning challenges and opportunities.
- Oral presentations by ARFH staffon innovative approaches to family planning:
Abstract ID: NFPC2024102
Topic: Strengthening Investments in Faith Leadership, Community, and Health Systems for Improved Demand Generation for Family Planning Programming in Nigeria
Title: Enhancing Access and Acceptability of DMPA-SC Self-Injection in Nigeria: A Collaborative Model for Sustainable Family Planning
Presenter: Samson T. Odukogbe
Abstract ID: NFPC2024157
Topic: Advancing Family Planning Through Strengthened Multi-Stakeholder Accountability, Rights-Based Quality Services, and Total Market Approach
Title: Counselling Quality and Its Impact on Client Acceptance of DMPA-SC
Presenter: Nasa Oyelade
Critical priorities emphasized during the conference:
Last-mile distribution to ensure family planning commodities reach underserved populations.
Advocacy for the inclusion of family planning in the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and the government’s procurement of essential commodities.
Leveraging technology, empowering youth, and integrating faith leadership to enhance demand generation and sustainability.
Notable quotes from the event:
“Family planning must be elevated as a national priority.” – Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We must prioritize young people and leverage technology to reach the last man.” – Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole, Former Minister of Health.
ARFH remains unwavering in its commitment to advancing reproductive health, improving access to quality services, and empowering communities. Together, we are building a healthier, more equitable future for all Nigerians.
Group photograph of participants after a plenary session
Dr. Kehinde Osinowo ARFH CEO at the conference with other participants
Cross section of participants at the conference
Prof. Oladapo Ladipo OON, addressing the participants at the conference
Launch of the PSHAN FP2030 Commitment
Dignitaries including the former minister of health Prof. Isaac Folorunsho Adewole, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Kachollom Daju representing the Hon. coordinating minister of Health Prof. Ali Pate, Rodi Diallo BMGF Deputy Director, Dr. Salma Anas Ibrahim Special Adviser to the President on health and others at the 8th Nigeria family planning conference during a plenary session
Hon. Benjamin Okezie Deputy Speaker House of Representatives at the 8th Nigeria family planning conference
Prof. O.A Ladipo President Emeritus ARFH and Founding Chair of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning in Nigeria (AAFP) at the 8th Nigeria family planning conference
Cross section of dignitaries present at the conference
Group photograph of dignitaries at the conference
Prof Ladipo and the Chairman National Population Commission Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra
Prof. Ladipo Chairing a session and addressing the participants at the conference
Samson Odukogbe making an oral presentation from the CODSAiN project titled: Enhancing Access and Acceptability of DMPA-SC Self-Injection in Nigeria: A Collaborative Model for Sustainable Family Planning
Nasa Oyelade making an oral presentation on: Counselling Quality and Its Impact on Client Acceptance of DMPA-SC
Dr. Kehinde Osinowo ARFH CEO and Dr. Kolapo Oyeniyi at the exhibition booth of ARFH at the conference
IEC materials distributed at the conference
Interactive session at the exhibition booth of ARFH
Group photograph of ARFH staff at the conference
