By: Felix Ikpotor
As part of deliberate effort aimed at supporting reproductive health and reducing cases of mother and child mortality, the Rivers State Government has taken delivery of family planning commodities it procured through the support from DKT International and the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA.
The procurement ranks Rivers as the seventh state behind Lagos, Ogun, Bauchi, Delta, Adamawa and Gombe to have procured the commodities which is also as a follow up to the National Guideline on State-Funded Procurement of Family Planning Commodities launched on 9th March, 2022 by the Federal Government.
Speaking while receiving the items at the Rivers State Central Medical Stores in Port Harcourt, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, said the reception of the commodities represents a commitment by the government in boosting reproductive health and securing the future of the state.
Adaeze noted that family planning and reproductive health are very key priorities as it has the ability to increase infant survival, reduce maternal mortalities and fostering socio-economic growth, adding that the procurement aligns with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s Health For All Rivers vision.
The health commissioner pointed out that over the years, the Federal Ministry of Health had encountered challenges in meeting the demands by state for family planning commodities which she said had threatened reproductive health and empowerment of women across the states.
She added that recognition of the shortfall and the determination of Rivers State Government under Governor Siminalayi Fubara led to the approval for investment into procuring the commodities.
She appreciated the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, DKT International, World Health Organisation and other partners for making the procurement possible while adding that the procurement would help strengthen the health systems in the state.
“This procurement represents more than just a response to an immediate need. It is a testament to our shared commitment to sustaining the progress we have achieved in reproductive health, underscores our determination to ensure that every single individual in Rivers State has access to the resources and services that they need to live a healthier and more fulfilling lives.
“This initiative is an opportunity to strengthen our health systems and improve the quality of care by tracking the distribution and utilisation of this commodities, we’ll generate reliable data to inform policy decisions, identify areas of improvement and optimise the allocation of this resources,” Oreh stated.
Highlighting benefits of the commodities, the health commissioner said with the availability of these commodities, the state can enhance its capacity to collect and analyse data on family planning services, monitor progress, ensure accountability and drive evidence-based policy making, adding: “Through this effort, we’ll continue to align with global best practices, align with the national policies and work towards realization of universal health coverage for all citizens of Rivers State.”
She assured that the procurement is not a one-off thing but shall be continued and further thanked Governor Fubara for his investments in healthcare services in the state.
Presenting the items to the Rivers State Government, Head of Office/Programme Coordinator,UNFPA Cross River Sub-Office, Dr Andrew Kirima commended the government for her investment in the healthcare sector of the state.
He said the procurement underscores Rivers Government’s determination to protect the reproductive health of women and girls.
“This handover of family planning commodities is a testament to the Rivers State Government’s dedication to enhancing reproductive health services and ensuring the wellbeing of its citizens.
“By prioritizing family planning, the state demonstrates its resolve to uphold the reproductive rights of women and girls, a cornerstone of sustainable development,” Kirima stated.
Giving a description of the commodities, Kirima said, “This handover includes 1,008 units of Implanon NXT, 700 units of Jadelle Implant, and 6,600 units of Sayana press injectable contraceptives,” saying: “These life-saving commodities will bolster efforts to meet the reproductive health needs of women and girls across the state”.
He further urged the state government to sustain the momentum by continually funding family planning commodities for distribution in health facilities across the state.
On his part, the Rivers State Coordinator of World Health Organisation, WHO, Dr Giwa Abdulganiyu, while also commending Rivers State Government for the bold achievement, emphasised that family planning is important to both mothers, children, homes and the nation at large because it guarantees healthy homes, eliminates chances of unwanted pregnancies and abortions, and leads to economic stability as families are guided to give birth to only children they can adequately carter for.
Earlier, the State Family Planning Coordinator, Dr Egelege Aziemeola Pius disclosed that the commodities would be distributed to all public healthcare facilities in the 23 local government areas in the state.
