The Osun State Government in collaboration with an NGO, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) on Tuesday held an awareness and engagement programme on family planning at the popular Igbonna market in Osogbo.
Speaking during the programme, Mrs Ololade Abatan, the family planning coordinator in the state, said that family planning was crucial in promoting well being of women in the society.
Abatan also said that family planning helps in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.
“Family planning is essential for the healthy living of women and also prevent unwanted pregnancies.
“It allows women to lead healthier lives and pursue their personal goals,” she said.
Abatan urged women to visit public health facilities for quality family planning services, adding that such measures are key in fostering a brighter future.
She also advised residents against unprotected sex to minimise the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the face of withdrawal of support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Abatan said that with the withdrawal of international partners like USAID, there was the need for both old and young residents to take precautions.
“The withdrawal of support means that we have to rely more on state government for commodities for the well being of our people.
“Like we all know, presently there is no more support from USAID.
“Before now, we get free commodities, free condoms, free drugs, with which we can treat people.
“But with the withdrawal of USAID, there is no more free drugs and commodities from USAID.
“We no longer have enough condoms, drugs, commodities and that is why people have to behave responsibly.
“Residents in the state, especially men have to behave responsibly and be faithful to their partners,” she stated.
Abatan, however, commended the state government for its support for the wellbeing of the people by making adequate provision for drugs and other essentials.
She said that the programme was also to celebrate women on the International Women’s Day, which was held on Saturday.
“We need to remind our women that they are very important and very key in every aspect of life,” she said.
Abatan, who noted that good health was crucial for productivity, said that it was also essential for women to prioritise their well-being so as to contribute positively to their families and society.
“Women’s health is crucial, and it is only when women are in good health that they can be productive”, she said.
Abatan also emphasised the importance of celebrating women’s contributions in the society.
The highlights of the programme was the distribution of both female and male condoms to traders and passers-by in the market
