The Akwa Ibom State Government has emphasised the importance of family planning to maternal health and economic development, stating its commitment to addressing the challenges currently affecting uptake and unmet needs in the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel, gave the assurance over the weekend during an advocacy visit by the Ibom Advocacy Core Group on Family Planning, led by its Chairman, Dr. Mandu Ekpenyong, to his office.
According to the Commissioner, Governor Umo Eno’s administration recognizes the importance of family planning and will accord greater attention to related issues in the state.
He noted that to effectively address these challenges, the Ministry of Health will ensure that funds for the state’s contributions to the National Basket Fund for Family Planning are included in the budget, alongside provisions for the consumables required for administering family planning commodities.
Dr. Emmanuel expressed optimism that Governor Umo Eno, who prioritizes healthcare, will ensure the timely release of allocated funds, adding that the ministry will play an active role in follow-up and implementation.
He assured the group of the Ministry’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with partners and stakeholders on family planning, noting that the ministry already operates an open-door policy for all health-related projects in the state.
Dr. Emmanuel also disclosed that plans are underway to employ 600 health workers, with final arrangements being made on incentives for rural postings.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Ibom Advocacy Core Group, Dr. Mandu Ekpenyong, said the visit aimed to collaborate with the government on strategies to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the state through increased focus on family planning.
Ekpenyong appealed to the State Government to join other states of the Federation in funding the procurement of family planning commodities through the National Basket Fund, as well as in providing the necessary consumables for administering the commodities.
While commending The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria for its significant support across 10 local government areas in the state, she urged the government to take greater ownership of the work done by TCI, especially as the partner may soon exit the state.
She also emphasized the need to employ more healthcare personnel and to train and retrain existing staff to enhance the delivery of effective family planning services in Akwa Ibom State.