By Ayinde Muhammed
The Challenge Initiative (TCI), a global urban reproductive health initiative has urged Nigerias, especially people of reproductive age, to embrace family planning/childbirth spacing to achieve sustainable development on world population.
TCI team lead, Dr Taiwo Johnson made this known to journalists via a press release on Thursday (July 11, 2024) to commemorate the World Population Day.
The TCI program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and Bayer is implemented in Nigeria by the Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communication Programs (JHUCCP) and has partnered with 22 states: Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Borno, Delta, Edo, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe since 2016.
Their goal is to sustain improvements in urban health systems and increase the use of modern contraception.
Dr Taiwo emphasized the benefit of embracing inclusive and comprehensive data collection and analysis which are critical for effective family planning.
According to her, the 2024 World Population Day is a pivotal moment for the country to reflect on her challenges and realise the importance of family planning and childbirth spacing to address the country’s unique demographic needs, particularly in urban, peri-urban, rural and underserved areas.
Johnson said Comprehensive data collection and analysis helps to institute informed planning and service delivery which is very essential for all states to address the needs of the populace and to deliver the ‘dividends’ of democracy, which has eluded Nigerians since the inception of the current democratic governance since 1999.
“Efforts by TCI in 23 States across Nigeria have been yielding fruits with support to governments across the country
Nigeria has made tremendous progress in sexual and reproductive health over the last 30 years has been driven by improved data collection and analysis, enabling better planning and monitoring”, she said.
“The country must continue to prioritize investments in population data systems, ensuring data collection is safe and inclusive. Specifically, new data tools can highlight invisible issues but must be managed carefully to avoid biases and privacy risks”.
“For sustainability and enhanced resilience, the country must sustain the current progress and ensure inclusive programming to accommodate the most marginalized communities excluded from advancements, and growing inequalities in healthcare access”.
According to her, Nigeria must invest in inclusive, equitable, and transparent data collection processes and emphasize family planning to manage population growth.
She noted that this investment will ensure the creation of resilient systems that reflect the diverse experiences of all Nigerians, leading to a sustainable and prosperous future where rights and choices are enjoyed by everyone.
“This year’s theme: “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All,” underscores the critical role of inclusive data in fostering sustainable development and ensuring that every Nigerian has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive”.
Dr Taiwo said that thirty years ago, the International Conference on Population Development (ICPD) recognized the importance of placing people at the centre of development.
According to the (TCI) team lead, this milestone has led to significant advancements in reproductive health care, reductions in maternal mortality, and improvements in gender equality”.
She emphasized that a vital yet often underappreciated driver of these achievements has been the strategic use of data.
“Since 1994, numerous initiatives, including the UN Secretary General’s call for a “data revolution,” have bolstered countries’ abilities to collect and analyse data crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Despite these advancements, gaps remain, particularly for marginalized communities.
The Need for Family Planning/Childbirth Uptake Nigeria faces significant challenges with rapid population growth, which exacerbates poverty, strains health-care systems, and impedes sustainable development.”
