Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios globally, but promoting family planning can change this narrative, says Oladapo-Alabi Ladipo, President Emeritus of the Association for Reproductive and Family Health.
Speaking at the sixth Local Organizing Committee meeting in Abuja, Mr Ladipo emphasized that family planning can significantly reduce maternal mortality by decreasing high-risk pregnancies among women. He noted that many women and girls become pregnant at a young age, often below 18, which increases health risks.
He said, women are dying silently in rural and urban areas due to our dysfunctional healthcare system,. Family planning can improve quality of life and save mothers from unnecessary deaths.
Furthermore, Mr Ladipo stated that, By adopting family planning, the government can better plan for its citizens, . The eighth Nigeria Family Planning Conference, scheduled for December 4-6, aims to address these issues and promote family planning as a solution to reducing maternal mortality.