Ilorin: The Kwara Government announced that the state has witnessed significant progress in family planning activities over the past three and a half years. This development was highlighted by the Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, during her address at The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Next Generation Dissemination and Transition meeting.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. El-Imam attributed this progress to fruitful collaborations with family planning development partners, which have enhanced the uptake of modern contraceptive methods across various health facilities in the state. She noted that these partnerships have been instrumental in transforming the landscape of family planning and reproductive health services in Kwara.

Dr. El-Imam emphasized that the collaboration has not only improved maternal and child health services but also empowered families. The partnership between TCI and the state ministry of health has enabled the implementation of high-impact practices in family planning, transitioning from theoretical approaches to practical applications. Furthermore, this collaboration has strengthened the family planning system, improved data usage, fostered community engagement, and enhanced resource mobilization.

The commissioner urged stakeholders in the state to prioritize family health as a key component of the development journey. She called for the integration of TCI’s successes into health programs and policies and encouraged ongoing innovation to meet the evolving health needs of Kwara’s citizens. Dr. El-Imam also appealed to stakeholders, healthcare workers, and traditional rulers to ensure every resident has access to quality reproductive health services.

Dr. Taiwo Johnson, Director of TCI Nigeria, praised the state government and its personnel for creating an enabling environment for development partners. She assured continued support to maintain the improvements in family planning services.

Mr. Kunle Omotosho, a TCI official, described the collaboration as highly beneficial and impactful, citing a 70 percent uptake of family planning in the state. He advocated for enhanced financing and increased social mobilization to sustain these achievements.