As progress on the use and acceptance of family planning continues to lag, health experts and advocates are demanding that state and local authorities take responsibility for ensuring accessibility of family planning commodities and engagement on the importance of child spacing and population in the country. The experts who gathered at the World Population Day Symposium held on Friday in Abuja, expressed concern over the lack of progress in funding that has been consistently allocated to the procurement of family planning commodities over the years. The symposium was organised by the Population Association of Nigeria in collaboration with the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) to commemorate the 2024 World Population Day (WPD).
The event was themed: “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All,” focusing on the necessity of family planning in addressing demographic challenges and opportunities in Nigeria. Participants at the event emphasised that sub-national governments must work with the national government to prevent unchecked population growth that would affect the country’s ability to profit from quality healthcare. According to the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Health, Salma Ibrahim, family planning is one of the most effective methods of addressing the incessant population growth and simultaneously for maternal mortality.
Mrs Salma said overpopulation in developing economies presents its own se.