NGO trains 568 women on child spacing methods in Zamfara

An NGO, Association of Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), trained 568 women on different family planning methods in Birnin-Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara, an officer said.

The Association’s Project Officer in the state, Mr Bamidele Oluwaseun, made this known on Thursday at Birnin-Magaji during the Second Child Spacing Day.

Oluwaseun said the training was provided under the organisation’s Expanded Social Marketing Project in Nigeria (ESMPIN) project.

He added that the women were mobilised across the local government through the use of Community Based Distribution Agents (CBDAs) with support from the state’s Ministry of Health.

The project officer said that part of the child spacing methods taught the women included Implanon, Jaddel, Inter Urinary Device (IUD), Depo and the use of condom.

Other`methods, he added, included long acting methods such as counselling, injection, insertions, as well as oral pills.

The officer then called for more support from traditional and religious leaders in addressing the myths and misconceptions regarding child spacing and commended the efforts of the Zamfara Ministry of Health and the Emir of Birnin-Magaji for supporting the programme.

He expressed the hope that the overall goal of increasing access, knowledge to women and men of reproductive age would be achieved if government played its role and if partners increased their commitment and support.

The Emir of Birnin-Magaji, Alhaji Ahmad Dan’Ali, declared his commitment and support alongside his 10 district heads and promised to create an enabling environment for the success of the programme.

He also commended the state’s Ministry of Health and ARFH for deeming it fit to organise the training in his domain.

He urged traditional and religious leaders to help in sensitising their community members on the need for child spacing, thereby reducing maternal and child mortality and morbidity.