The Challenge Initiative (TCI) has reinforced the importance of community mobilization, training, and demand generation in promoting sustainable growth in family planning (FP) awareness and adoption across Lagos State.
TCI state programme manager, Dr. Omotunde Odanye, at a media roundtable organised by the FPLagos Media Advocacy Forum and supported by TCI, outlined the organization’s efforts to increase family planning uptake. “We have conducted extensive community mobilizations to ensure greater acceptance of family planning in Lagos. A lot of mobilizers have been trained, and their capacities have been enhanced to engage with communities effectively. Demand generation is critical, but it must be matched with adequate supply, which is why we ensure there are no stock-outs of family planning commodities across facilities,” Dr. Odanye stated.
TCI‘s strategy focuses on deploying trained mobilizers to areas with the greatest need and integrating family planning education into other health services. According to Odanye, “Mobilizers engage women accessing other health services, educating them about family planning options. If a woman decides to adopt a method, she can immediately access the service.”
Efforts also target those who may delay their decision. “Even if the decision is postponed, the women leave with accurate information and resources to access services when they are ready,” Odanye added. Highlighting the initiative‘s broader impact, Odanye noted, “Our mobilization efforts often extend beyond our supported facilities. A woman might receive a referral in one location but end up accessing services elsewhere. This demonstrates the far-reaching effects of our community engagement and media campaigns.”
TCI collaborates with local health committees, educators, and media outlets to address misconceptions about family planning. “We work with voluntary health committees, social mobilization groups, and media platforms like television, radio, and social media to ensure accurate information reaches the public,” Odanye explained.
Despite significant progress, sustaining these gains remains a priority. “We’ve seen remarkable improvements in family planning uptake, but we must intensify our efforts to prevent any decline. The safety and well-being of Lagos State depend on it,” Odanye emphasized.
As TCI looks to 2025, it plans to build on its success by addressing documentation gaps, supervising service delivery, and ensuring measurable results. “Our strategies are effective, and we intend to sustain and improve them to achieve even greater results next year,” Odanye affirmed.
Chairperson of the Interfaith Public Health Advocacy Lagos, Dr. (Mrs.) Ajoke Sariyu Ashiru, echoed the importance of family planning, while urging women to space pregnancies to recover health-wise and financially. “Women should try to space pregnancies in a way that ensures they are well-rested and healthy before the next. This gives time for family, self-care, and financial stability,” Ashiru advised. She emphasized the need for careful family planning based on economic capacity. “If you can take care of three children, no problem. If it’s two, plan wisely so that it doesn’t negatively impact your family’s health or finances,” she said.
Deputy director of Health Education, Lagos state Ministry of Health, Esther Samuel, highlighted government efforts to promote family planning through training, community outreach, and the provision of essential consumables. “We regularly run jingles on radio and television, conduct health outreaches, and train healthcare workers to ensure quality services. These initiatives aim to increase awareness and encourage uptake,” Samuel explained.
