The Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) has commenced the training of 20 healthcare providers in Niger State on postpartum family planning (PPFP) methods to help reduce unintended pregnancies and improve maternal health.
Speaking at the training in Minna, the State Family Planning Coordinator, Dorcas Abu explained that postpartum family planning refers to services offered immediately after childbirth, either within 10 minutes of placenta delivery or within 48 hours after birth. “If this window is missed, the woman will have to wait until four weeks postpartum before accessing the method,” she said.
According to her, the approach ensures that women who may not return to the facility after delivery can still access family planning services. “This is a low-hanging fruit, we counsel women during antenatal care and immunisation, and once they opt for it during delivery, we provide the service,” she noted, adding that the method is voluntary and different from pre-pregnancy family planning.
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Gender and Youth Focal Officer for PPFN, Halima Yahaya, said the training will equip providers with additional skills to offer comprehensive services. “Women now have more options to plan the number of children they can care for,” she said, noting that advocacy has increased acceptance of family planning in communities.
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for PPFN North Central, Madu Solomon, said the programme targets facilities in Chanchaga, Paiko, and Bosso LGAs to reduce maternal and infant mortality, adding that acceptance rates have improved despite rising service costs, “With the economic situation, more families see the need to space births for better health and care of children.”
The State Family Planning Coordinator also highlighted the challenge of commodity shortages, noting that the federal government’s new procurement policy now requires states to contribute to the purchase of FP commodities, urging authorities to equip trained providers with adequate supplies, “Until the state starts procurement, stock outs will continue,” she warned.