Access to family planning services in Adamawa State continues to face serious challenges due to limited funding, an inadequate supply of contraceptives, and persistent myths and misconceptions, health experts have warned.
Speaking at a media roundtable held in Yola, stakeholders in the reproductive health sector called for urgent and increased investment in family planning to reduce the rate of unplanned pregnancies and improve maternal health.
Aisha Garba Abubakar, the Adamawa State Family Planning Focal Person, revealed that the state’s modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (mCPR) stands at a low 17.5%.
She attributed the poor uptake to the inconsistent supply of family planning commodities, which remains a major barrier to access.
“The consequences of unplanned pregnancies are far-reaching, affecting not only the health of women but also the wellbeing of families and communities. There is a dire need for consistent funding and support,” she said.
Traditional and religious leaders who participated in the roundtable acknowledged the deep-rooted beliefs surrounding family planning in local communities.
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However, they expressed their readiness to support sensitization campaigns, stressing that child spacing aligns with both religious and cultural values.
Tulhungu Huzeil, the State Reproductive Health Coordinator, tackled widespread myths, especially the misconception that family planning leads to infertility.
He reaffirmed that modern methods are scientifically proven to be safe and effective.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Bubanani Zira, reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening reproductive health services.
“With child spacing, a woman has time to rest and recover before her next pregnancy. We will continue to advocate for the adoption of family planning,” Zira said.
The organizers noted that recent high impact interventions and strategic partnerships with the media have helped boost public interest in family planning.
However, they emphasized that sustained awareness campaigns and reliable funding are critical to closing the service delivery gap.
Participants at the roundtable unanimously called for expanded efforts to improve access to family planning services, stressing that enhancing reproductive health is key to achieving broader development goals in Adamawa State.
