Medical Experts Call For Male Involvement in Family Planning
By Oyewale Oyelola
Medical Experts have implored men and women of reproductive age to embrace family planning in order to build a sustainable society.
Experts compromising Medical Doctor, Public Heal Practitioner and Nurses made this call at 3-day media training organized by The Challenge Initiative (TCI) and Development Communications (DEVCOMS) at G-PINNACLE, Ilorin from February 14 to 16, 2023.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of Reproductive Health at the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Dr. Kafayat Ibrahim said family planning is beneficial to individuals, family and society at large.
Dr Ibrahim encouraged male to also get involve by exploring available family planning options.
According to her, one of the very important thematic areas in family planning is the demand generation and social and behavioural change communication.
“Even if the service is available,readily available but without a demand driven approach to ensure that people know about getting it, it is not likely to have good services. So,one of the key areas that we realized that we have is in the area of media. So,we realized that our media are also like champions and ambassadors to help advocate for family planning.” Dr Kofo Ibrahim added.
The Media Engagement Trainer from DEVCOMS, Mayowa Adeniran said participating journalists would be trained on effective reporting techniques of family planning through inauguration of media advocacy group.
Adeniran encouraged Journalists to project benefit of family planning and disabuse people’s mind on myths and misconceptions.
The State Project Manager of the Challenge Initiative, Dr. Wale Adefila said TCI has provided technical support to the family planning empowerment for the unit of Kwara State Ministry of Health.
Dr Adefila revealed that the support include strengthening the capacity of the staff and increase awareness in the state.
Participants on Day 2 of the training embark on field trip to Children Specialist Hospital, Centre Igboro, Ilorin and Kwara State Civil Service Clinic for on site assessment of family planning usage by clients. 