Akwa Ibom communities cry out over shortage of family planning commodities

Communities in Akwa Ibom State are sounding the alarm over the growing shortage of Family Planning (FP) commodities in rural areas, which is increasing health risks for women and girls of reproductive age.

A recent visit to various local government areas in the state revealed troubling trends, including rising maternal mortality, teenage pregnancies, and unsafe abortions, leading to higher levels of poverty in these communities. According to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, Akwa Ibom has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy at 12% and a maternal mortality rate (MMR) of 520/100,000 live births.

In the Itu Local Government Area, Eteidung Akpan, a local family head in Ikot Ebom Itam, shared the heartbreaking news that two mothers in the community recently died during childbirth, leaving behind children as young as three and four years old. Akpan emphasized the importance of family planning to prevent such tragedies, saying, “We are losing our daughters to childbirth complications, and we are not happy about that. Just recently, we lost two women.”

He continued, “Family planning reduces health risks for women and gives them more control over their reproductive lives. With better health, women can take advantage of education, employment, and civic opportunities.”

Unfortunately, the lack of access to family planning services is a significant barrier for many. In the Ukanafun Local Government Area, at the Ikot Oku Usung Primary Health Care Centre, there is a shortage of various types of FP commodities, which makes it difficult for women to make informed choices. One resident, Abasiofiok, expressed concern over the limited options available for his wife, who had hoped to start family planning after childbirth.

Teenagers, like Abasifreke, also expressed interest in family planning but cited lack of access and awareness as obstacles. “I just heard about family planning and I’m ready to take up one because I want to return to school,” said the expectant mother.

Mrs. Edimek Emason Akpaitam, a Family Planning provider at the health facility, acknowledged the improvement in family planning uptake but confirmed the challenges posed by the shortage of supplies. She pointed to efforts by The Challenged Initiative (TCI) to raise awareness and mobilize the community, but noted the pressing need for more FP commodities.

Elsewhere, in the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Mrs. Asindi Joseph, a mother of five, shared her positive experience with the Implanon method of family planning. “It was my husband who introduced the idea, and I’m now stronger, healthier, and able to contribute to the family,” she said, emphasizing how family planning allows for better child spacing and planning for the future.

However, a disturbing trend is emerging in the streets of Uyo, where vulnerable and mentally unstable women, including those who roam the streets pregnant, also require family planning services. One such woman, a known figure in the area, has been impregnated multiple times, with no knowledge of the fathers. Her family eventually took her to a Primary Health Care Centre for family planning.

Dr. Taiwo Johnson, Executive Director of The Challenged Initiative, emphasized that family planning is a reproductive health right for all individuals, regardless of age or marital status. “Every individual should have access to family planning, and women should be empowered with the right information and resources,” he said.

Uchenna Ajike of MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices echoed this sentiment, stating, “We do not believe family planning is only for married couples. It’s a human right, whether you are married or not.”

However, access to family planning services in Akwa Ibom remains limited. Mrs. Enobong Eshiet, the state’s Family Planning Coordinator, revealed that Akwa Ibom has a 32% unmet need for family planning. “Many women need these services but don’t know where to access them,” she explained.

She also noted that family planning services in the state are highly dependent on donor support, with the government’s failure to allocate funds for FP commodities exacerbating the problem. Akwa Ibom has yet to contribute to the national basket fund for family planning, which is crucial for securing supplies from the federal government.

“We need the government to release funds for family planning services,” Mrs. Eshiet urged. “If we contribute to the national basket fund, we can ensure that the state gets the full quantity of commodities it requests.”

As the situation stands, communities in Akwa Ibom are calling for urgent action to address the lack of family planning commodities, protect the health of women and girls, and ensure access to vital reproductive health services.