Stakeholders in the health sector in Kano State, Northwest Nigeria, say family planning has gained more acceptance due to the promotion of childbirth spacing and access to modern contraceptives across the state.
The stakeholders, MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices, Family Planning News Network, Nigeria Health Watch and the Solutions Journalism Network made this known during a three-day media training and field trip to Rano and Wudil local government areas in the state.
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The organisers said the intervention has shifted perceptions of childbirth spacing as leaders, women’s groups, and youth representatives engaged in sustained dialogue that respected cultural and religious values.
The Emir of Rano, Muhammad Umar, lauded the successes achieved in his emirate and the support received from traditional and religious institutions.
“Our men have accepted different methods of child spacing, and this has helped reduce the situation where families have more children than they can cater to.
”Now, parents are seeing the benefits. Spaced children are healthier and happier, while mothers are stronger and better positioned to care for their households.”
Currently, 756 health facilities in Kano provide family planning services to women of reproductive age, supported by more than 500 community health extension workers trained to administer modern contraceptives such as implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
The Kano State Government has also launched a Family Planning Strategic Plan aimed at tackling high fertility rates and maternal health challenges.
The initiative expands access to family planning, strengthens healthcare worker training, and ensures a regular supply of commodities.
The District Head of Wudil LGA, Isa Ya’u, explained: “Understanding Child spacing and family planning helps their families to manage their resources better, leading to improved economic stability and a higher standard of living.”
According to a resident of Wudil, Hauwa Ibrahim: “Modern contraceptives, such as implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and sterilisation, have proven to be highly effective in preventing pregnancy.
“I used the traditional family planning contraceptive for years, and it was proven to have failed, but I just started using a modern family planning method, and it works well.”
Similarly, Adam Muhammad, a father of six, noted: “After attending a group gathering organised by MIS, he perceives Child Birth Spacing Modern family planning methods are highly effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy, with some methods having a success rate of over 99%.”
Aisha Musa, a mother of five, said: “Childbirth spacing is also convenient, often easy to use, and requires minimal effort, making them ideal for busy women.”
Stakeholders say modern family planning is increasingly preferred over traditional approaches because of its effectiveness, convenience and health benefits.
With government investment and community support, more families across Kano are expected to embrace childbirth spacing as a tool for better health and improved living standards.