As the world marked World Contraception Day on Thursday, women in Borno State have urged the state government to intensify awareness campaigns on family planning to save lives and empower families.
The event, commemorated annually on September 26, brought together health experts, advocates, and community members in Maiduguri to highlight the importance of reproductive health, informed choices, and equitable access to contraceptives.
Speaking during a community walk, Hajiya Aisha Musa, a health volunteer, stressed the life-saving impact of family planning.
“Millions of women die giving birth. With proper access to family planning, women can space their children, rest, and live healthier lives,” she said.
For 22-year-old Fatima Lawan, family planning represents more than health—it means opportunity. Carrying a placard inscribed in Hausa, she explained:
“It means I can finish my education before starting a family. When I eventually have children, they will grow up healthier.”
Health experts at the gathering emphasized that contraception is not just about preventing unplanned pregnancies but also about reducing maternal deaths, empowering women and girls, and advancing sustainable development.
Globally, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that 257 million women who wish to avoid pregnancy still lack access to safe, modern contraceptives. This year’s campaign placed particular focus on equitable access, especially in developing countries where gaps in information and services remain wide.
The commemoration in Maiduguri joined thousands of awareness drives worldwide, with advocates calling on governments and policymakers to invest in youth-friendly health services, ensure affordable contraceptive options, and strengthen reproductive rights.
“World Contraception Day is a reminder that choice matters, education matters, and reproductive justice is key to building healthier, more empowered communities,” one expert noted.
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