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| Dr. Osagie Ehanire |
Ehanire said this during his presentation on the theme ‘Investment, Innovation, Inclusiveness’ at the closing ceremony of the 5th Nigeria Family Planning Conference, in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
In his view, he said the conference became imperative to convene family planning stakeholders discuss and share experiences. “This provides stakeholders the opportunity to share ideas, innovation and serves as a platform in identifying new issues”.
Ehanire added that the Federal Government adopted the option of investing in family planning, which has been proven to be an investment that is cost effective as well as life saving choice.
“Family planning also contributed to the building of the country’s economic potential and positive step towards building a healthy and happy family.
“The conference was a platform to identify urgent issues towards innovations in planning and child birth spacing towards changing the narratives of the nation’s poor contraceptives,’’ Ehanire said.
The minister noted further that the primary objective of the conference was to enable the nation reap demographic dividend. “The present administration had adopted to invest in FP which had proven to be the smartest choice that would help build a healthier and happy family”.
He, however, noted that every responsible country would make provision for its citizens, adding that the conference provided guidance to appropriate investment and innovations such as financing FP services among others.
Accordingly, the minister expressed that the conference focused on three critical groups; the faith based groups, women and youths. “It did not only help articulate their needs but what each group could do to advance the frontiers of FP strategy.”
He continued that their discussions focused on providing guidance innovation with some of the private sectors in financing family planning services in the context of health insurance and innovative financing; Nigeria investment case in maternal mortality, adolescent health and nutrition, and annual population lecture series.
Other roles of the private sector in expanding FP services in Nigeria are: proven innovation in expanding access of FP services and expanding the services and new learning.
“We must galvanise the ideas and learning from the event to reposition, promote and strengthen FP in the country and also provide right investment towards ensuring quality services,” Ehanire added.
Meanwhile, he commended the AAFP, stakeholders and donor agencies, UNFPA, UNSAID, Bill and Melinda Gates for their continued support and investment in family planning.
Therefore, the minister assured that the Federal Ministry of Health would continue to collaborate with stakeholders for effective services.
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