The Challenge Initiative (TCI) has urged community leaders and media professionals in Sokoto to strengthen awareness campaigns aimed at improving access to family planning services.
Speaking at a media roundtable on Monday, TCI State Programme Officer Dr Bello Kilgori emphasized the importance of social mobilisation in promoting child spacing and reducing maternal health risks.
The roundtable, held in collaboration with Development Communications Network (DEVCOMS), highlighted how strategic community and media engagement can shift public perception and attract stronger government commitment to reproductive health.
He said that since TCI began its activities in Sokoto in 2021, huge progress has been made in strengthening data systems, building the capacity of healthcare providers, and enhancing community participation in family planning initiatives.
According to him, a high percentage of clients were successfully referred to family planning services in the 588 health facilities offering such services across the state.
He noted that the positive outcomes of the initiative have attracted commendations from government officials and the public, adding that the state government recently allocated N30 million for the procurement of family planning commodities.
This, he noted is an indication of growing political will and commitment.
In his presentation, the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar-Jabbi, urged journalists to increase reportage on the successes of family planning programmes, by engaging traditional and community leaders to dispel myths and misconceptions.
Umar-Jabbi stressed that family planning is a fundamental human right that allows couples to make informed choices about childbearing.
He also called for sustained government commitment to the provision of contraceptives and quality service delivery across health facilities.
He encouraged residents to embrace child spacing, citing its benefits in reducing maternal mortality, improving family health, and enhancing economic well-being.
Also speaking, the Programme Focal Person, Malam Musa Ubandawaki, said the TCI/DEVCOMS collaboration has empowered local health systems, trained service providers, and strengthened community-based interventions.
He stated that the programme has increased awareness and acceptance of family planning among women of reproductive age through the integration of high-impact interventions and demand generation strategies.
“TCI’s support has helped build local capacity through evidence-based approaches, improved service delivery, enhanced data reporting, and fostered ownership among state and local government actors,” Ubandawaki said.
He added that more women in the state are now accessing child spacing services, which has led to improved maternal and child health outcomes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured interactive sessions, group discussions, and shared experiences on addressing challenges and identifying solutions to improve family planning service delivery in the state.
