The Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has organised a High-Level Private Sector Engagement Forum on Family Planning (HLPF-FP) in Lagos state.
This pivotal event convened influential decision-makers from the government, development partners, and corporations to encourage collaboration and chart a strategic path towards building a sustainable society.
Representing the First Lady of Lagos state, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the Permanent Secretary, Health District VI, Dr. Cecilia Mabogunje, underscored the significance of family planning as an informed decision made by individuals or couples regarding the number and spacing of children.
She emphasised its far-reaching impact on socio-economic development, educational and career aspirations of women, and the overall well-being of families. Dr. Mabogunje called for concerted efforts from relevant stakeholders to adequately fund family planning services and address associated challenges.
The UNFPA Resident Representative, Dr. Gifty Addico, represented by Koessan Kuawu, Deputy Representative, UNFPA Nigeria, highlighted the urgency of addressing maternal mortality in Nigeria, noting its second-highest rate globally.
According to Addico, family planning could avert 23% of maternal deaths annually. However, challenges persist, with a funding gap of $32 million in 2023, resulting in 19% of Women of Reproductive Age lacking access to family planning, as per the 2018 National Demographic Health Survey.
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The forum aimed to mobilise private sector support to bridge these gaps.
In a special address, Daju Kachollom the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, explained Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges and its high maternal mortality rate.
He emphasised the Federal Ministry of Health’s commitment to improving governance, population health outcomes, the healthcare value chain, and health security.
Kachollom discussed the significant investments made and challenges faced in increasing demand for family planning services and commodities, noting the rising procurement costs.
The High-Level Private Sector Forum aimed to secure private sector commitment to family planning, present the family planning investment case for feedback, and discuss plans towards actualizing FP2030.
The event brought together diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, private sector entities, and civil society organizations.
Kachollom urged continued collaboration to create an enabling environment for innovative financing, technology-driven family planning programs, and local production of family planning commodities.