Yobe, UN Agency, Partners Engage 17 LGAs To Advance Family Planning Services

Yobe State Ministry of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with support from MSI, has convened a stakeholders’ meeting with the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Yobe State chapter, alongside the chairmen of the 17 local government areas.

The meeting, held at the Emergency Operations Centre, New Bra-Bra Quarters in Damaturu, strengthened collaboration between the state and local governments to promote family planning programmes and improve maternal, newborn, and reproductive health services in the state.

At the event, the commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Mohammed Lawan Gana, who was represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Hajiya Hadiza Sabo, expressed appreciation to Governor Mai Mala Buni for prioritising the state’s healthcare sector.

He said the state government decided to establish relevant agencies under the Ministry of Health because of its determination to improving healthcare delivery and expand access to essential reproductive health services.

Gana described the partnership with relevant stakeholders as instrumental to improving the health and well-being of women, children and families throughout the state.

“I would like to commend UNFPA for its consistent technical and financial support to Yobe State, particularly in the areas of family planning, maternal health, reproductive health and capacity building. And also to MSI for supporting the implementation of community-based family planning programmes and other life-saving health interventions in Yobe State”, he said.

Earlier, in a welcome address, the Director, Family Health, Dr Babagana Abba, stated that the objectives of the meeting were to update LGA Chairmen on RMNCH services in Yobe State and to provide an update on family planning towards the procurement of the commodities.

In their separate remarks, the ALGON Chairman and the 17 LGA Chairmen reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the implementation of family planning programmes and other health initiatives in their respective councils.

They pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Health, UNFPA, MSI and other development partners to ensure that quality healthcare services reach every community across the state.

Also speaking at the event, Dr Matazu stressed that local government councils have a critical role to play in expanding family planning, which contributes significantly to reducing maternal and child mortality, improving family welfare, and promoting sustainable development in their communities.

The meeting equipped participants with strategies to increase awareness, improve access to quality family planning services, and ensure that every local Government plays an active role in implementing health interventions at the grassroots level.