Nigerians have been urged to adopt family planning services as methods to curb maternal death in the country.

This urge was made by a Gynecologist and Head, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Professor Abdulgafar Jimoh while participating on a special programme to mark the world population day on UNILORIN 89.3 fm.

According to him, Nigeria as a resource limited country and needs to adopt certain strategies to make the best use of the available resources.

Professor Jimoh stressed the need for adequate education with information, outreach programmes, counseling centers and access to family planning resources at all levels of the country as factors necessary to encourage healthy living in the country.

He said effective breastfeeding should be for two years and also advised women above the age of thirty five to prevent the usage of contraceptive pills.

The Gynecologist, mentioned age, level of education, willingness of wives to family planning and attitudes of men as some of the factors necessary to keep the family.

He said Government, stakeholders and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) have roles to play in informing, educating and communicating the entire public about the need for family planning.

He however noted the timeline of the Non-Governmental Organizations serves as problem to reducing maternal mortality.

Professor Jimoh charged the Government to provide adequate facilities in educating the public and also advised them to embrace the strategies of the Government and feel free in discussing with the Doctors.

The State Coordinator of NURI, Abubukar Sadiq said the main problem faced in family planning is the non-approval from the male group in a society, though strategies have been put in place to reach out to traditional rulers and religious leaders as a way to combat the challenge.

According to him, provision of family planning access is free through consumables from the Federal Government stating that Private sectors charge for services. Sadiq also said the State Government has supported them tremendously and the media is also used as a method of awareness to the public.

In his final words, he said family planning should be talked about in order to promote healthy living among themselves

By Abdulgafar Arikewuyo