April 20, (THEWILL) – The Akwa Ibom State government has underscored the importance of family planning to maternal health and economic development, saying it will put everything in place to address the challenges currently facing its uptake and unmet needs in the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel, gave the assurance at the weekend, during an advocacy visit by Ibom Advocacy Core Group on family planning, led by the Chairman, Dr Mandu Ekpenyong, in his office.
According to the commissioner, Governor Umo Eno’s administration understands the importance of family planning and will give more attention to issues of Family Planning in the State.
He noted that for the challenges to be addressed, the Ministry of Health will ensure that funds for the State’s contributions into the National Basket Fund for family planning are first captured in the budget, coupled with budgetary provisions for consumables needed for the administration of the family planning commodities.
Emmanuel said he is optimistic that Governor Umo Eno, being someone who prioritises health, the funds, when budgeted, will be released with appropriate attention, adding that the ministry will play a key role to ensure follow-up.
He promised the group of his Ministry’s readiness to deepen collaboration with partners and stakeholders on family planning issues, noting that the ministry is running an open-door policy on all aspects of health-related projects in the state.
Dr Emmanuel, however, disclosed that plans are in motion for the employment of 600 health workers, with final touches made on rural posting incentives to health workers in the State
Earlier, the Chairman of the Ibom Advocacy Core Group, Dr Mandu Ekpenyong, noted that the visit was geared towards putting heads together with the government to see how maternal and infant mortality rates can be reduced in the State through improved attention on family planning.
Ekpenyong appealed to the State Government to join other states of the Federation in the funding of procurement of family planning commodities through the National Basket Fund for family planning and also procure consumables needed to administer the commodities.
While commending The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria for the significant family planning support provided to the State across 10 local government areas, she called on the State Government to show more interest in owning the work done by TCI, especially as the partner may soon leave the State.
The Chairman of the Group stressed the need for the employment of more health personnel as well as training and retraining the existing ones, to enhance effective family planning services in the State.
