By Ayinde Muhammed
The Challenge Initiative (TCI) of the Development Communication Network of Nigeria has called on states at all levels in the country not to relent but sustain the effort of providing access to family planning (FP) and childbirth spacing services across the country.
This was made known through a press statement signed and made available to journalists by the Program Officer of DEVCOM Network, Ms Suliyat Eletu on April 11, 2025.
The statement was made in commemoration of this year Safe Motherhood Day 2025 under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,”
According to the press release, Progress is not yet uniform, and gaps in access, quality, and equity persists in the family planning initiative.
It stated that all implementing states in Nigeria must sustain momentum by strengthening service delivery, expanding access to marginalized groups, and addressing lingering myths and barriers.
“To truly fulfill the promise of reproductive health and rights for all, no one can be left behind. Continued investment, political will, and community-driven action are critical to ensuring that family planning services reach every woman, mwn, and young person who needs them– no matter where they live”, she said.
Ms Eletu noted that Nigeria loses thousands of women to pregnancy-related complications every year, many of which are preventable through proper spacing and voluntary family planning.
According to her, when women have access to safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate family planning services, maternal mortality drops, newborn outcomes improve, and families thrive.
The Country Team Lead, TCI Nigeria, Dr Taiwo Johson said what we are seeing in Nigeria today is a bold move from awareness to action, from promises to programs that truly save lives.
According to him, through partnership with over a dozen state governments, TCI is making motherhood safer, families healthier, and futures brighter.
“Safe motherhood starts before the first contraction — it begins with informed choices, timely access to family planning, and a community that supports women at every step of their reproductive journey”, He said.
The project lead at Development Communications Network, Onche Odeh said the path to safe motherhood is not just paved in hospitals bit starts with conversatuon, choice, and community support,”
