The Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), in collaboration with Marie Stopes International (MSI) and the Society for Family Health (SFH), has concluded the training of 60 health workers in Zamfara State on Postpartum Family Planning (PPFP).
The five-day training, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), was held in Gusau and aimed at strengthening the capacity of family planning service providers working in maternity wards and labour rooms across the state.
Speaking during the training, Mr Lawal Shehu, the UNFPA Programme Coordinator in Zamfara, said the initiative was designed to complement government efforts in promoting reproductive health and family planning services.
“Postpartum Family Planning is a critical aspect of reproductive health. This training will equip healthcare workers with the necessary skills to deliver Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) and improve postnatal care,” Shehu stated.
According to him, the training was delivered in two batches, with 30 health workers trained in each phase, all drawn from various health facilities across the state.
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“We encourage participants to fully utilise this opportunity to deepen their knowledge and improve the delivery of family planning services in their respective health centres,” he added.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara Hospital Services Management Board, Mustafa Marafa, described the training as a welcome development.
Represented by the Director of Nursing Services, Aminu Gummi, he assured the Board’s full support for the programme’s success.
“This training is key to reducing maternal mortality, particularly from complications such as postpartum haemorrhage,” he noted.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Hussaini Yakubu, praised UNFPA and its partners for their continued support in enhancing the capacity of healthcare providers.
Represented by the Family Planning Coordinator of the board, Mrs Shafa’atu Abubakar, Yakubu said:
“This initiative directly targets the high incidence of family planning-related maternal complications in the state. We expect participants to cascade the knowledge acquired to colleagues across other health facilities.”
One of the trainees, Madina Salihu of General Hospital, Shinkafi, expressed gratitude on behalf of all participants.
“This training has enriched our understanding and will enhance the safety of mothers and their newborns during the postpartum period,” she said.
Earlier, the lead facilitator, Hadiza Yahaya, stated that the focus of the sessions was on delivering quality family planning services to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
NAN