Akwa Ibom State has been urged to sustain the gains made in family planning interventions to achieve rapid economic development.
Development partners have implemented family planning services interventions in select local government areas by providing commodities as well as the training of community mobilisers across the state for the uptake of the services.
The Country Director of The Challenge Initiative (TCI), a Non Governmental Organisation, Dr. Taiwo Johnson made the call at a meeting in Uyo following the transitioning of the project as the programme came to an end
Noting that a solid foundation had been by TCI and Development Communications Network, she said the gains should be consolidated by the state for accessible and sustainable services
According to her, sustainability and self reliance imply less dependency on donor funding and more government commitment , expressing readiness to support the state to achieve more successes.
“As we celebrate today, let’s move forward with dedication and optimism towards self reliance which means more government funding, less donor funding.
“Together, we can achieve this. With the expertise in this room, Akwa Ibom State will emerge stronger and more resilient
“We are supporting the state to adapt to the SDG goal with a different approach.
“A new TCI is coming up stronger next year with a different focus. I will be at the backend monitoring data to see that Akwa Ibom State stays on course., ” She said.
Also speaking, chairman, Ibom Life Saving Advocacy Organization, Dr. Mmandu Ekpeyong thanked TCI for the work they have done in the last three years and the Akwa Ibom State government for the enabling environment given to TCI.
While harping on the need for the inauguration of local government action on family planning for sustainability, Ekpenyong urged the state to contribute to the family planning national basket fund and give attention to the provision of consumables needed to administer family planning commodities.
On her part, Akwa Ibom State Family Planning Coordinator, Mrs Enobong Eshiet, called for continued advocacy to reinforce the commitment of stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities for investment in family planning.
“There should be prompt fund release to procure family planning commodities and consumables to reduce the challenge of stock out,” she said.
Also speaking, Media Officer of Development Communications Network, DevComs, Mr Mayowa Adeniran urged journalists to explore strategies for sustainability, stressing that beyond family planning, they should leverage on promoting other health programmes as the state transits into self-reliance.
The State Programme Manager of TCI, Dr. Obasesam Edet, while commending media partners on their role in publicizing the activities of the organization and by extension the importance of family planning in the society, promised that TCI would remain available to provide technical support when needed.
The Desk Officer of the Media Advocacy Group, Mrs Grace Usen in her remarks highlighted the contributions of the group in promoting family planning uptake and debunking of myths and misconceptions in the state.
She added, “Sustaining the group through partnerships and innovative strategies would ensure that awareness and service uptake continue to grow, ultimately improving health outcomes in the state.”
(Ends)
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