Lagos State has significantly enhanced its reproductive health initiatives, thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation official handover of family planning commodities.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) facilitated this shipment, which officials unveiled at the Lagos State Central Medical Store in Oshodi.
This milestone marks a crucial step in improving access to family planning services for the state’s expanding population.
During the event, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, emphasized the importance of family planning in managing population growth and boosting maternal health. She expressed gratitude to the Gates Foundation for its support and urged increased male participation in family planning efforts. “Family planning is often seen as a women’s issue, but men’s involvement is equally critical. Everyone must contribute to ensure this initiative’s success,” she stated.
Additionally, Dr. Ogunyemi addressed the challenges posed by contraceptive stockouts over the past year, which hindered access despite strong advocacy campaigns. She also highlighted the strain rapid population growth places on Lagos State’s healthcare system, underscoring family planning’s role in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
The Special Adviser reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to women’s health and accessible reproductive services.
“Mr. Governor is thoroughly dedicated to this cause, and we will persist in advocating for increased funding in our budget,” she concluded.
she said.
$25 Million Commitment from Gates Foundation
Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, emphasized the increasing demand for family planning services. He noted that this trend mirrors the community’s shifting health priorities.
“With approximately seven million women of reproductive age and an equal number of sexually active men, family planning is crucial,” he explained. His statement highlights the vital role of accessible family planning resources in public health.
Represented by Dr. Folashade Oludara, Director of Family Health and Nutrition, Dr. Ogboye announced a $25 million pledge from the Gates Foundation. This funding, allocated over five years, ensures an annual commitment of $5 million to enhance service availability.
“This represents one of our most reliable supply chains, enabling both public and private healthcare providers to meet population needs,” he added. He also emphasized the importance of involving private providers to broaden access.
Dr. Ogboye confirmed that additional shipments are expected soon, guaranteeing a complete stock of contraceptive options like implants and injectables by the quarter’s end.
UNFPA Calls for Sustainable Funding
Ms. Abbigail Msemburi, Head of the Lagos Liaison Office at UNFPA, highlighted her organization’s commitment to supporting Lagos State.
Specifically, she emphasized their focus on improving reproductive health services across the region.
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Additionally, she stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve sustainable progress in this critical area.
Additionally, she praised the Gates Foundation for its significant contributions to family planning initiatives.
Furthermore, she highlighted that Lagos is among the three states benefiting from a $25 million grant.
By actively supporting reproductive health, UNFPA aims to foster progress in Lagos State. Moreover, the Gates Foundation’s investment underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in this sector.
Consequently, these partnerships are expected to drive meaningful improvements in family planning services.
While acknowledging progress made, Ms. Msemburi highlighted ongoing challenges in ensuring that contraceptives reach underserved populations.
She encouraged Lagos State to expand domestic funding for family planning to reduce reliance on donor support. “Sustainability is key.
We need to ensure these gains are not just temporary but long-lasting,” she said.
Ms. Msemburi also emphasised the importance of advocacy in changing societal attitudes toward contraceptive use, particularly among young and vulnerable groups.
A Collaborative Path Forward
The handover of family planning commodities marks a pivotal moment in Lagos State’s mission to tackle reproductive health challenges.
The state actively collaborates with partners such as the Gates Foundation and UNFPA, enhancing its capacity to serve the rapidly growing population.
Moreover, stakeholders stress the importance of continuous investment in family planning for achieving long-term success.
As Lagos grows, prioritizing consistent contraceptive access becomes crucial. Not only will this manage population growth, but it will also improve maternal health and empower women and families.
This collaboration highlights how joint efforts can address public health issues. Additionally, it demonstrates a unified commitment to expanding accessible reproductive care across Lagos communities.
