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Experts in reproductive health have emphasized the importance of informed choices and access to family planning in promoting safe motherhood across Nigeria.
In a statement marking Safe Motherhood Day 2025, themed “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”, Dr. Taiwo Johnson, Country Team Lead of The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria, highlighted that safe motherhood begins long before childbirth.
“It starts with informed choices, timely access to family planning, and a supportive community that empowers women throughout their reproductive journey,” he stated.
Dr. Johnson noted that TCI, in collaboration with various state governments, has been driving a shift from awareness to action through effective family planning programs that save lives.
"Across Nigeria, we are witnessing real progress—states are moving beyond commitments to implementing policies that make a tangible difference."
Family Planning Gains Across Nigeria
Dr. Johnson highlighted several key advancements in reproductive health:
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State-led Family Planning Initiatives: Many states are successfully integrating family planning into their healthcare programs, leading to improved maternal health outcomes.
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Community Engagement: Increased advocacy has reshaped public perceptions, particularly through youth participation, male involvement, and outreach to underserved populations.
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Strengthened Healthcare Services: Health facilities are experiencing greater trust and utilization, while local governments are mobilizing resources to expand access.
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Improved Maternal and Child Health: Even in humanitarian settings, family planning services are being integrated with maternal health programs to ensure continuous care.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite these achievements, gaps in access, quality, and equity persist. Dr. Johnson stressed the need for sustained efforts:
“To truly fulfill the promise of reproductive health and rights for all, no one must be left behind. States must strengthen service delivery, expand access for marginalized groups, and address myths and barriers.”
He called for continued investment, political will, and grassroots action to ensure that every woman, man, and young person can access the reproductive health services they need—regardless of location.
A New Standard for Maternal and Newborn Health
Every year, thousands of Nigerian women lose their lives to preventable pregnancy-related complications—many of which could be addressed through proper birth spacing and voluntary family planning.
"When women have access to safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate family planning services, maternal deaths decline, newborn health improves, and families thrive," Dr. Johnson emphasized.
Onche Odeh, Project Lead at Development Communications Network, added:
“Safe motherhood is not just about hospitals. It starts with conversation, choice, and community support.”
Looking Ahead: A Future of Hope
This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings”, reinforces the idea that timely birth spacing is key to unlocking “Hopeful Futures” for Nigerian families.
TCI’s model has demonstrated that states can take ownership of their reproductive health transformations through political commitment, sustainable funding, and grassroots mobilization.
“Nigeria is closer than ever to making safe motherhood not just a goal, but a guarantee,” Dr. Johnson concluded.
Launched in 2017, TCI was designed to build on the gains of NURHI by empowering state governments to scale up proven interventions—reaching both urban centers and underserved rural areas to expand family planning access nationwide.
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