In a significant stride towards improving reproductive health, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), has launched a multi-year (2024–2029) investment plan to procure additional family planning (FP) commodities for Kaduna State. The first batch of these commodities has been procured and handover to the state government, ensuring last-mile distribution to public health facilities. This intervention is crucial in mitigating the impact of FP stock-outs, which have hindered access to essential reproductive health services.
While this initiative is commendable, it also raises a critical concern—the sustainability of family planning commodity procurement in Kaduna State. The over-reliance on donor-funded programs poses a long-term risk to reproductive health services. To ensure uninterrupted access to FP commodities, the Kaduna State Government must take proactive steps by committing at least 100 million Naira annually for family planning commodity procurement.
Why Kaduna State Must Invest in Family Planning
Family planning is not just a health intervention; it is a development strategy with far-reaching benefits. A well-funded FP program significantly reduces maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, prevents unintended pregnancies, and promotes economic stability by enabling families to space and plan their children effectively.
Kaduna State remains a high-priority state due to its population size and reproductive health challenges. Investing in FP will:
1. Reduce Maternal and Infant Mortality: Unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions contribute to high maternal deaths. Providing reliable FP options will ensure that women can safely plan their pregnancies.
2. Strengthen the Health System: Reducing unplanned pregnancies eases pressure on health facilities, allowing better resource allocation for maternal and child health services.
3. Enhance Economic Development: Family planning empowers women, improves workforce participation, and enhances household economic stability.
4. Ensure Sustainability: Relying on donor-funded programs is unsustainable. State-led investments will guarantee uninterrupted FP services even when external funding fluctuates.
A Call to Action for Kaduna State Government
Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to the health sector is commendable, and his administration’s efforts in revitalizing healthcare facilities and expanding access to essential services are highly appreciated. However, to whom much is given, much is expected. The sustainability of family planning programs cannot be left to donors alone.
We urge the Kaduna State Government to:
Commit at least 100 million naira annually for FP commodity procurement.
Institutionalize the cash backing of budgetary allocations for FP in the state’s health financing framework.
Strengthen supply chain mechanisms to ensure commodities reach last-mile beneficiaries efficiently.
Partner with private sector stakeholders to mobilize additional resources for FP programs.
By taking these bold steps, Kaduna State can lead the way in sustainable family planning financing, ensuring that no woman is denied access to the reproductive health services she needs. The time to act is now.
Sign
Benjamin Yunana Maigari
Secretary Family Health Advocates in Nigeria Initiative ( FHANI)
