By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
The Lagos State Ministry of Health has called on residents to adopt family planning as a vital tool for preventing unintended pregnancies and ensuring the wellbeing of families.
The appeal was made during the sensitisation walk marking this year’s World Contraception Day at Alausa area of Lagos State with distribution of condoms to residents and passersby.
Dr. Oludara Folashade, Director of Family Health and Nutrition in the ministry, said contraception provides individuals and couples with the opportunity to plan their families responsibly. She noted that every child deserves to be “wanted, loved and planned for,” stressing that pregnancy should not be the unintended outcome of intimacy.
“Enjoyment between partners should not automatically result in childbirth,” she said. “Babies should be brought into the world only when parents are ready, physically, emotionally and financially, to care for them. Family planning is therefore essential in safeguarding both mother and child.”
Dr. Oludara explained that Lagos State, with support from development partners including The Challenge Initiative, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, among others ensured the availability of a wide range of contraceptive methods across primary and secondary health facilities.
She added that Health workers, have been trained to provide balanced counselling to help women and men choose methods best suited to their health and circumstances.
On the issue of adolescents, Dr. Folashade emphasised that sex education remains the responsibility of parents, but insisted that sexually active young people must not be left vulnerable to unintended pregnancies. “Parents should not deceive themselves. Once a child is sexually active, preventive measures are necessary to avoid disruption of their education and future,” she said.
Dr. Lateefatu Adeleye, the State Family Planning Manager, reinforced the government’s commitment to grassroots service delivery. She disclosed that mobile family planning teams provide counselling, injectables, implants and other methods in communities without health centres, free of charge.
She added that Lagos State has also established youth-friendly centres to offer sexual and reproductive health services in a safe and confidential manner.
Both officials urged residents to disregard myths and misconceptions around family planning and instead take advantage of the services provided. “Life is about choices,” Dr. Adeleye remarked. “Those who plan their families give themselves the opportunity to live well, raise healthier children and achieve their goals.”
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