Federal Ministry of Health, United States Agency for International Development offer free family planning

The Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development, and Strengthening Health Outcomes through Private Sectors have inaugurated a free family planning pilot scheme in Lagos State.

The ceremony took place at the Promise Hospital in Agege, a Lagos suburb, recently. The scheme is targeted at 50 private health facilities in five local government areas of the state.

The local government areas are Alimosho, Agege, Oshodi/Isolo, Kosofe and Ikorodu.

The permanent secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Modele Oshunkiyesi, said the initiative would ensure that short and long-term family planning options are available at private and public sector health facilities at little or no cost.

She said, “This will boost the contraceptive rate and reduce unmet need for family planning in Lagos State.”

The director of family health and nutrition, Lagos State, Dr. Folashade Oludara, said the five local government areas were chosen because it was a pilot programme; noting that the results of the project will be examined within months, after which other local governments would be involved.

Director, Family Health Department, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Akin Afolabi, said the engagement of private sectors would enhance the health of Nigerians.

He said, “Complementing government’s efforts by deeper private sector engagement will certainly enhance the impact of various interventions on the health of most vulnerable Nigerian, especially women and children.”