From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
A total of 65,737 people of reproductive age had access to modern contraception in Delta State between January and June, this year, the state government has disclosed.
According to the government, 36,237 were new acceptors while about 29,500 came for revisit at various health facilities across the state.
Permanent secretary of Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA), Dr. Jude Winful-Orieke, made this known in Asaba, recently.
Orieke spoke during a programme on family planning, as part of activities marking this year’s World Contraceptive Day, with the theme “Breaking Myths.”
Represented by the director, Community Health Services at the agency, Paul Yonkore, said the state collaborates with relevant partners, individuals and community representatives to provide family planning service to the people.
According to him, the state Government was very committed to further reducing its maternal mortality ratio from 576 per 100,000 live births (2022) to less than 70 per 100,000 live births, as part of the drive to attain universal health coverage by 2030.
“The Delta State government provides free maternal care services (ANC and delivery) HIV/AIDS care (voluntary counseling and treatment) family planning services new acceptors of family planning have increased over the years,” he stated.
Director of Family Planning Services, Mrs. Patience Eke, insisted that the services remained free as part of the government efforts to reduce economic hardship.
In a goodwill message, executive secretary of Oshimili South Local Government Area Primary Healthcare Centre, Dr. Kunu Phillet, defined contraception as the act of having sex without having children.
Phillet encouraged couples to embrace family planning for it’s economic, social and health benefits.
State Clinical Training Officer of Marie Stopes, Daniel Zibe explained that World Contraceptive Day was established by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in 2007, and has been adopted by governments of nations.
Zibe said the theme of this year’s celebration was centered on improving awareness of the importance of contraceptive use by people of reproductive age.
On his part, Social Behavioural Change Communication Officer, Society for Family Health (SFH), Vincent Ugo noted that contraception allow people of reproductive age to plan child bearing with the reduction of high risk pregnancies.
Ugo said SFH remained committed to family planning services as an integral part of the society.