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By Bilkis Abdulraheem-Lawal
In a bid to strengthen maternal and child health, Women in Global Health, ,(WGH), in collaboration with The Challenge Initiative, (TCI), and BAL-Queen Initiative, under the “Made Possible Campaign for FP2030”, organised a community outreach focused on promoting child spacing and family planning.
During the outreach held at Adithat Muslim Society of Nigeria, Egbeda, Idimu Road, in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, the Service Delivery Consultant with TCI, Mrs. Kudirat Akeju, said that the importance of child spacing cannot be overemphasized.
“The essence of family planning is for women to give birth by choice, not by chance,” she said.
“Family planning doesn’t mean one shouldn’t give birth, it simply helps to space children accordingly.”
Akeju explained that when women give at least a two-year gap before conceiving again, their bodies have time to recover, leading to improved health and stronger family bonds.
“It is also economically wise and improves the overall wellbeing of the family while increasing love between couples,” she explained, while urging men to support their wives in adopting modern family planning methods.
A Health Educator, Mrs. Elizabeth Olutayo Amujo, who also called for spousal support, addressed misconceptions surrounding family planning.
“Family planning is not abortion; it prevents unplanned pregnancies and helps couples plan their lives responsibly,” she stated.
Amujo dismissed the common belief that contraceptives encourage promiscuity.
“Some people think family planning promotes prostitution, but that’s not true. It actually strengthens homes because couples can plan their families on their own terms,” she explained.
She advised parents not to interfere in their children’s marital decisions regarding childbirth, adding that family planning should begin as soon as a woman gives birth to avoid unplanned pregnancies.
Religious Leaders Affirm Islamic Support for Child Spacing
The Missioner of Adithat Muslim Society, Sheikh AbdulGafar AbdulFatah, expressed appreciation to the organisers for bringing the outreach to the Islamic community, noting that Islam supports responsible parenthood.
“It is clearly stated in the Holy Qur’an that mothers should breastfeed their children for two years.
“Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also prescribed withdrawal and celibacy as acceptable forms of child spacing. Child spacing is not alien to Islam,” he said.
The Amir of the Society, Alhaji Taofeek Ajala, also commended the organisers for the free family planning services, sensitisation, and health check-ups.
“This sensitisation is an eye-opener. Many of us wanted to space our children but were afraid because of misinformation.
“The health talk has changed our perception, and some of our members adopted family planning methods immediately,” he said.
Ajala expressed hope that more members would adopt family planning when they hear about the positive experiences of those who attended.
“When those who were absent today hear from their friends, they will not hesitate to visit the facility and adopt a method,” he said.
Women Share Personal Experiences
Several beneficiaries of the outreach shared their experiences with family planning, describing it as safe, effective, and empowering.
Mrs. Rasheedat Lamidi said she has used both the implant and daily pill methods successfully.
“I used the implant for two years and removed it when I was ready to conceive. I got pregnant that same month. I’ve now adopted the daily pill, and I’ve never had any side effects,” she explained.
Mrs. Abdulkareem, a new mother, said she chose to adopt a family planning method after listening to the health talk.
“This is my first baby, and I decided to start early so I can recover properly before having another child,” she said.
Mrs. Kafayat Garba shared that she adopted family planning after her third child and conceived easily after stopping.
“Now I have four children, and I’m done. I’m glad Bal-Queen Initiative and their partners brought the service to our community free of charge,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs. Halimat AbdulGafar dismissed myths linking family planning to infertility.
“I removed my implant in April 2023 and conceived the following month. So when people say family planning causes infertility, I just laugh. I’ve done another method during this outreach,” she stated.
BAL-Queen Initiative Reaffirms Commitment to FP Advocacy
Founder of BAL-Queen Initiative and advocate for maternal and infant health, Mrs. Bilkis Abdulraheem-Lawal, expressed gratitude to partners for their collaboration. She said the outreach aimed to educate families on the health, economic, and emotional benefits of planned parenthood.
“I’m deeply grateful to Women in Global Health, The Challenge Initiative, Made Possible, and FP2030 for supporting this outreach. Every woman deserves the right to get pregnant by choice, not by chance,” she said.
Lawal promised to continue to advocate for better access to maternal healthcare and sexual and reproductive health services, especially for women at the grassroots.
“We will not stop until every woman, regardless of her location or status, can access safe maternal, sexual and reproductive health care,” she added.
Apart from the family planning services, members of Adithat Muslim Community also had their sugar and blood levels checked with free supplements.
In total, 169 people adopted different types of modern family planning methods.
The outreach formed part of the Made Possible Campaign for FP2030, co-sponsored by Women in Global Health, The Challenge Initiative, and Bal-Queen Initiative, aimed at expanding access to modern family planning services among Nigerian women.
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