6th June 2024
The Society for Family Health (SFH) has announced a significant drop in maternal mortality rates in Enugu State following the adoption of new family planning methods by women in the state.
Assistant Chief Programme Officer, Dr Anthony Nwala, said this during a dissemination meeting of stakeholders in the Delivering Innovation in Self Care (DISC) project held in Enugu.
Nwala said that the project, initiated in September 2022, has significantly boosted the adoption of family planning methods among women in the state, noting that the DISC project aimed to reach women in need of family planning solutions and address issues related to unwanted pregnancies.
He highlighted the remarkable increase in the use of Depot-MedroxyProgesterone Acetate (DMPA) from a baseline of 419 users in July 2022, with only six percent converting to self-injection, to over 3,000 users monthly by mid-2024, translating to a 60 percent conversion rate.
“The project seeks to empower women by providing them with self-care options, enabling them to manage their health more effectively,” he said.
“Since we started in Enugu, we have seen exponential growth in the uptake of family planning methods, particularly self-injection.”
“This growth has led to a significant reduction in maternal mortality rates. Women now understand that it is in their best interest to have children by choice, not by chance.
“The project has been particularly beneficial for businesswomen who previously lacked the time to visit health centers for family planning services. The method has also addressed concerns related to side effects and dispelled religious myths, further increasing its acceptance,” he said.
Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ENS-PHCDA), Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku praised the Society for Family Health for its collaboration with the state government.
She noted that, “Reproductive health is crucial in our family health system. Informed choices in family planning significantly impact key health indices, including maternal mortality.
“Having the power to decide when to have children is vital. It prevents dangerous abortions and reduces maternal mortality. When women can manage contraception in the comfort of their homes, they can better achieve their potential.
SOURCE:THE SUN