By Boluwatife Calfos
In celebration of World Contraception Day, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) embarked on a community-based awareness campaign in Ikeja Local Government Area (LGA) to create awareness about family planning and promote reproductive health information.
The campaign which targeted places within the Ikeja local government area like Computer Village, Anifowoshe, Ipodoh Market, Kodesoh, and Barracks, is aimed to bridge the knowledge gap on family planning, debunk common myths, and provide access to contraceptive services, ultimately reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and promoting healthier families.
The campaign features health professionals such as Mrs Rasheedah Sanni Afolabi, the Health Education Officer of Ikeja LGA; Mrs Adeseun, the Director Health Education and Promotion of Lagos State District VI; Mrs Shakirat Idowu Jinodu, the Special Adviser on Health, Ikeja LGA; Mrs Adefolami Taibat, the CDT Chairperson Ikeja LGA, as well as service providers and mobilizers.
The mobilization started from Ikeja Under Bridge to the Ikeja LGA Marriage Registry where Mrs Rasheedah Sanni Afolabi had an engaging session with intending couples at the registry to educate them on the benefits of family planning and child space.
In an interview with her, Mrs Rasheedah stated that educating the intending couples will have a powerful impact on the choices they make after marriage.
In her words “This is a different dimension from the norm. We have all our mobilizers on ground, going out there to make sure that everybody is aware and should take responsibility and ownership of family planning. Family planning is a way to add value to the system; it’s like a national development strategy.”
Mrs Adeseun also stated that the campaign and celebration of World Contraception Day is an eye opener to everyone so that great choices are being made to promote good health and make a lifelong impact. She noted that the theme relates to the promotion of well-being and a good environment. In her words, “I implore everyone to enjoy and take up service today in any form of family planning, to live a long and healthy life”.
Mrs Shakirah Idowu noted that today’s celebration is an opportunity to create awareness and educate people about the benefits of child spacing. In her words, “With this awareness, people will be educated so that they know the right choice to make which also relates to the theme. By making choices, no matter how small, the impact that comes within the family and the country is a good one”.
Mrs Adefolami Taibah also buttresses the significance of embracing family planning and child spacing. She highlighted that there’s a need to educate the public and ensure they make the right choices as regards child birthing and spacing.
The mobilization continued further to Ipodoh Market and Computer Village involving activities like the distribution of pamphlets on family planning, with mobilizers explaining the different methods of family planning to them, and the distribution of condoms to men for free.
As TCI concludes its World Contraception Day campaign in Ikeja LGA, the impact of this outreach will be felt for years to come. By educating and empowering individuals, this initiative has contributed to a broader movement towards improved reproductive health, reduced maternal mortality, and stronger, healthier communities.
