By Boluwatife Calfos
The Challenge Initiative (TCI) commemorated World Contraceptive Day with a virtual webinar, promoting contraceptive awareness, addressing misconceptions, and advocating for improved access to reproductive health services.
The engaging online discussion, moderated by Sola Ojo, featured expert presentations from Prof. Josiah Mutihir (JUTH, Jos), Mrs. Lovina Ibiok (Health Promotion Officer, Uyo Local Government, Akwa Ibom), and Mrs. Patricia Ozazua (Registered Midwife and Educator, Edo State).
According to Dr. Omotosho of TCI emphasized that the webinar’s purpose: “to identify and overcome barriers to accessing contraceptives.” Will go a long way engaging the stakeholders and partners, creating awareness and sensitizing the public.
“The essence of the webinar is to learn and share the barriers of accessing contraceptives and how those barriers can be overcome” She said.
Meanwhile, in his opening statement Mr Akin Jimoh of Devcomm stressed the significance of family planning in achieving security, economic growth, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “Family planning is a key issue that affects virtually everybody in terms of security, economy therefore everyone must rise up to the task”.
In his own presentation Prof. Josiah, stressed the “Advancing Access to Family in Resource-Limited Settings,” highlighted benefits, challenges, and barriers to contraception.
Mrs. Lovina noted that “choices empower individuals to take control of their reproductive health.”
Mrs. Patricia identified availability of contraceptives in rural areas as a key barrier, emphasizing the need to correct misconceptions and provide affordable commodities.
Mrs. Lovina cited myth and misconceptions as the main barrier in Uyo, underscoring the need for reproductive health education.
The webinar concluded with testimonies from participants, including Abiola Adekoya and Olabode Ahmed, and suggestions to improve contraceptive access.
TCI’s webinar demonstrated its commitment to addressing reproductive health disparities and promoting informed decision-making.
