The Delta State Government has commenced arrangement to create a specific budget line Vote, for reproductive health activities in the 2019 budget for the ministry of Health, as part of measures to increase the number of family planning users and also to attract more partners/donors, with a view to improve maternal health in the state.
The Chairman of Delta State primary health care development Agency, Dr Isioma Okobah made this known during the inauguration of Social and Behavior Change Communication committee organized by The Challenge Initiative in collaboration with the Delta state primary health care development Agency in Asaba.
Dr. Okobah reiterated the position of the State Government that planning and budgetary allocations for development always take into cognizance the issue of population in order to be able to deliver the benefits of democracy.
She commended the efforts of The Challenge Initiative in the state for its support in boosting the activities of reproductive health and urged the body to continue to support the state as the state Governor Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is passionate about maternal and child health.
While inaugurating the 24 person social and behaviour change communication committee, Dr. Okobah charged them to be change agent in bringing about " a true movement in Nigeria where everyone is involved in implementing Family Planning Programs.
She equally enjoined husband's, traditional and religious leaders to encourage and support women in choosing suitable modern family planning method as family planning brings multiple benefit to mothers,family and society at large.
In an overview presented by the State Programme Coordinator, The Challenge Initiative (TCI), Mrs. Nwanne Kalu, said that they were intervening in 13 local government areas and were expecting the state to replicate same in the remaining 12 LGAs.
She said that the Initiative provided technical assistance to the State Ministry of Health through the Reproductive Health Unit to improve maternal health through innovative family Planning models with a view to improving services and thereby increasing the number of family planning users in the state.
Mrs Kalu revealed that from survey carried out there was the need to step up advocacy on the acceptance of modern contraceptive methods in the state to encourage more persons speaking favourably in family planning.
