From Ramat Ayo Ismail, Ilorin
A Non-Governmental Organization, Awareness Initiatives For Good Living (AIGL) advocating for family planning campaign through Pathfinder International has called on government to promote family planning campaign during this COVID 19 so as to prevent unwanted pregnancy/unsafe abortion in the country.
The AIGL Chairman, Aihaji Ajibola Wahab in a chat with News Hub Mag! implored government to make necessary provisions for contraceptives in all government facilities for easy access.
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He stressed the need for Nigerians to abide by the guidelines and safety measures against the COVID-19, explaining that it is a virus that can easily be contacted through physical contact, hugging or handshakes among others.
Ajibola stated further that couples spending more time together at home need to maintain sexual and reproductive health measures as well as have access to accurate information concerning safe, effective, affordable and acceptable contraceptive methods of their choice.
“Nigerian women often turn to abortion to avoid unwanted births, but the provision of family planning, counseling and information would substantially reduce the incidence of unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion,” he said.
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According to him, unintended pregnancy poses significant public health risks which he classified as one of the consequences of unwanted pregnancy leading to abortion among couples.
“Where the woman is not protected, unwanted pregnancy is the most likely outcome especially in instances where the woman is still in the reproductive age and is not on any method of contraception” he said.
He further urged people to be more concerned about the high rate of conception and in turn unplanned pregnancies at this period.
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In his words, “We all need to take responsibility for our sexual needs during this time. Married couples who are not on a long-acting contraceptive/family planning method should remember to go for condoms.
“Young people should endeavour to abstain at this time and if you can’t, get condoms and emergency contraceptives.”
