By Justina Auta
The Federal Government says it will deepen collaboration with the private sector for manufacturing and distribution of family planning commodities to scale-up Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Services (SRH) in the country.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, stated this on Tuesday, in Abuja at the rebranding of the Marie Stopes International Organisation in Nigeria to MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices (MSIN)
Pate, represented by Mrs Jummai Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director Nutrition, reiterated government commitment to unhindered access to SRH and family planning commodities for Nigerians of reproductive age to choose, obtain and use.
“The ministry is working to deepen collaboration with the private sector in several aspects including manufacturing, procurement, storage and distribution of family planning commodities.
“Strengthening private sector involvement in Nigeria on SRH care has become more imperative given the rapid increase in the demand for services and commodities is predicted by the rapid growing populations.
“We believe that by working together, we will address challenges and provide a quality environment for SRH services and explore ways to address the barriers to Universal Health Coverage (UHC),’’she said.
Also, Dr Salma Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health, said the rebranding of the organisation would promote the provision of quality SRH services for those in need irrespective of their location or socio-economic status.
“MSIN has been a leading provider of sexual and reproductive health care services for women and families across communities supporting over 30 per cent of Family Planning users in the country,’’ she said.
Anas added that the rebranding would reposition MSIN with other partners to consolidate the successes made towards ensuring every woman and girl have access to a contraceptive method of her choice irrespective of her location or economicpower.
Country Director, MSIN, Emmanuel Ajah, said in 2022, they contributed over 30 per cent of all family planning services and supported 3.3 million clients with various SRH services.
Ajah added that these efforts had translated to the prevention of 3.1 million unintended pregnancies while saving the lives of 17,050 women and girls from maternal mortality.
According to him, the rebranding of the organisation is to ensure that women, girls and men have access to SRH services to make reproductive choices.
“By 2030, it is estimated that 22 million women and girls will have demand for Family Planning services.
“The core of our strategic vision is to ensure that 1 in 4 of these women will have their contraception needs met.
“And achieved through direct MSI Nigeria services or through MSI Nigeria- supported service providers operating seamlessly within both the public and private sectors.
“ This is why we have also added choices to our name. This will reflect our client-centered belief to empower every woman and girl to take control of their life, and on their terms by providing a bouquet of family planning options within her reach and her means,” he said.
The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Bryan Adinma, stressed the need for SRH rights of every person of reproductive age to ensure they make their choices.
Speaking on behalf of partners, Mr Charles Usie, Country Director, Plan International, reiterated their commitment towards supporting MSIN in providing SRH and contraception services