The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for family planning to be elevated as a national priority, describing it as more than just a health intervention but a critical driver of sustainable development.
Speaking on Thursday at the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference in Abuja, Kalu highlighted the importance of empowering individuals and families to make informed reproductive health choices. He argued that such empowerment not only saves lives and reduces maternal and infant mortality but also promotes socio-economic progress.
“Family planning must be elevated as a national priority,” Kalu said, applauding the federal government’s commitment to allocating 1% of the health budget to family planning. He expressed hope that this move would motivate state governments to follow suit.
The Deputy Speaker cited data showing that every $1 invested in contraceptive services saves $3 in maternal and newborn healthcare costs. According to him, these savings could be redirected to critical areas like education, infrastructure, and healthcare, unlocking Nigeria’s demographic dividend.
While acknowledging progress in the sector, Kalu noted that significant challenges persist. He commended the ongoing efforts of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) agenda, which he said exemplifies the potential of unified strategies in tackling health challenges.
Kalu also underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in global family planning efforts, as evidenced by the recent FP2030 global board meeting hosted in the country.
He further emphasised the need for data-driven and evidence-based strategies informed by tools such as the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. “This data empowers us to design interventions that are responsive to the unique needs of our diverse population,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker highlighted the importance of translating policies into measurable outcomes, citing the accountability scorecards developed by the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP) as a model for tracking investments and ensuring that resources are directed to those most in need.
Kalu urged stakeholders to strengthen partnerships with intervention initiatives like PISE-P and to expand programs such as integrating family planning into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and the Mamii program. He also stressed the need to engage religious and community leaders to foster trust and advocacy.
“This conference provides a platform for me to implore you to strengthen partnerships… Together, we can ensure that family planning remains a cornerstone of sustainable development in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Leave a Reply