Expanding access to basic reproductive healthcare service including effective family planning for every woman is key to tackling the high rates of child and maternal morbidity and achieving sustainable Safe Motherhood in Nigeria.
This was highlighted in a press statement issued by TCI/DevComs as a key message for International Safe Motherhood Day, made available through Ms. Eletu Suliyat, Programme Officer at DevComs Network.
According to the statement, thousands of women in Nigeria die annually from pregnancy-related complications due to preventable causes, placing the country among those with the highest rates of maternal and child mortality in the world.
However, experts have pointed out that effective public awareness on reproductive health, starting from the right contraceptive choices, timely access to family planning services, antenatal/postnatal care, and full vaccination doses is crucial to addressing this challenge.
The statement revealed that, as Nigeria celebrates the 2025 International Safe Motherhood Day, the country has seen significant improvements in public awareness and demand for family planning (childbirth spacing) services”
“”Across Nigeria, states are translating family planning commitments into visible progress. Through government leadership, community engagement, youth-centered services, and strategic partnerships, there are growing signs of impact. Health facilities are experiencing increased client demand.”
“At the heart of this progress is The Challenge Initiative (TCI), which, in partnership with over a dozen state governments, has provided a model that mobilizes local governments, community leaders, civil societies, and other critical stakeholders to advocate for family planning accessibility and uptake.”
“What we are seeing in Nigeria today is a bold move from awareness to action, from promises to programs that truly save lives,” says Dr. Taiwo Johnson, Country Team Lead, TCI Nigeria.
Visits to health facilities across Jigawa State revealed a significant increase in demand for family planning services, often leaving facilities out of stock for nearly two weeks every month, unlike in previous years when low public awareness led to unused commodities expiring at facilities stores.
The 2025 theme, “Healthy Beginnings, emphasizes that timely birth spacing is key to unlocking “Hopeful Futures” TCI’s support has proven that states can lead their own reproductive health transformations. With growing political will, sustainable funding, and grassroots engagement, Nigeria is making strides toward safer motherhood for all.
By: Muhammad Zangina Kura
At’tajdid News
