Weaned Off Aid: Will Akwa Ibom Survive TCI Transitioning?
By Ekemini Simon
The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria an organisation that partners with local urban governments to accelerate the expansion of successful, proven family planning (FP), adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) interventions for the urban poor on September 29 announced that it is transitioning Akwa Ibom State to self-reliance in family planning.
In the last three years, TCI has provided technical assistance to Akwa Ibom State government health agencies to build their capacity and integrate interventions into existing health systems aimed to improve the reproductive health of individuals and families by increasing access to quality, affordable services and fostering informed decision-making.
The 10 local government areas that directly enjoyed Interventions from TCI are: Ikono, Ibesikpo, Onna, Essien Udim, Okobo, Etinan, Ukanafun, Uyo, Eket and Mkpat Enin.
TCI has supported the State through support In-reach activities in the 10 LGAs. The organisation has intervened by providing services on demand generation/social behavioral change communication using 75 social mobilizers and health promotion officers which they have employed to carry out neighborhood campaigns in order to offer insight into different methods of family planning and also address concerns by patients.
Other intervention by TCI includes data quality assessment, validation, monitoring and evaluation,training of Family Planning providers on Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health/Family Planning services and training/ support to the media on reportage on Family Planning.
The transition is the last stage within its four-stage business unusual process intended to prime and nurture local ownership in family planning programme design and implementation.
Offering insight into the self-reliance stage which Akwa Ibom State has attained, information on TCI website states “After meeting a set of criteria for “graduation,” selected cities from Stage 3 will transition to coaching on-demand. Support from TCI’s Challenge Fund will decline, but monitoring will continue. The city also becomes eligible for TCI’s alumni network and can serve as a resource for new cities engaging with TCI.”
What the Transitioning means on Ground
Gathered for the transition meeting in Uyo themed “Transitioning Akwa Ibom State to Self-Reliance in Family Planning.” Stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State were informed that the meeting marked the State journey towards self-sufficiency in family planning services.
The meeting brought together representatives from the state government, development partners, civil society organizations, and media practitioners.
Country Director of The Challenge Initiative (TCI), Dr. Taiwo Johnson, offered insight into the successes recorded by the project.
” The Project in Akwa Ibom State has been a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and shared vision for a healthier and more prosperous Akwa Ibom State”, she said.
Dr. Johnson highlighted the impact of family planning on the lives of women and communities. “Family planning ensures that women should not die during childbirth. It makes childbirth by choice and not by chance. It promotes healthy mothers and children and empowers communities.”
She said with this transition, TCI is confident that all the foundations they have laid will be built upon by the State to ensure family planning commodities can be accessible and sustainable for everyone.
Regardless, the Country Director asked that the State Government together with other stakeholders move forward with dedication and optimism towards self-reliance which she explained means more government funding, less donor funding. “Together, we can achieve this. With the expertise in this room, Akwa Ibom State will emerge stronger and more resilient”, she added.
But is TCI leaving the stage entirely? Dr Johnson’s explanation gives a glimpse “We are supporting the State to adapt to the SDG 3 with a different approach. A new TCI is coming up stronger next year with a different focus. I will be at the backend monitoring data to see that Akwa Ibom State stays on course”.
The Role of partners in Akwa Ibom Self-reliance
Immaculata Archibong from MSI Reproductive Choices expressed her organization’s commitment to supporting the state government in consolidating the gains made in family planning. “We affirm our commitment to working with the Akwa Ibom State Government and other stakeholders to promote sustainable development and people-centered family planning programs,” she said.
Chairman of Ibom Life Saving Advocacy Organization, Dr. Mmandu Ekpeyong, commended TCI for its impact on system strengthening and capacity building. She urged the state government to contribute to the family planning national basket fund and provide consumables needed to administer family planning commodities.
Alhaji Musa Mohammed, a Muslim leader in Akwa Ibom State, quoted the Quran to emphasize the importance of family planning in Islam. “Mothers may suckle their children for two whole years,” he said, referencing Surah Baqarah ayat 233. He added ” TCI just like mother’s have been breastfeeding us. Now they are weaning us to start giving us solid food. We will continue to preach the message of family planning.”
The Gaps Requiring Attention by State Government
Senior Technical Advisor for TCI Nigeria, Dr. Olukunle Omotoso, presented an overview of TCI’s support to Akwa Ibom State. He highlighted the gaps in family planning services before TCI’s intervention, including lack of coordinated structure and capacity building.
Dr. Omotoso outlined four ways TCI supports states: demand-driven model and self-selection, capacity building and technical assistance, funding support, and data-driven decision-making. He also highlighted TCI’s interventions in Akwa Ibom State, including support for in-reach activities and social behavioral change communication.
However, Dr. Omotoso identified gaps that need to be addressed, including no fund release for family planning commodity procurement and sustained voices that will continue to speak in favour of family planning.
To achieve self-reliance, Dr. Omotoso recommended that the state government release funds to procure family planning commodities and consumables, consider domestic resource mobilization, and mainstream media and social media to promote family planning.
Family Planning Coordinator in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Enobong Eshiet, expressed gratitude to TCI and other partners for their support. She highlighted the significant progress made in family planning services, with the contraceptive prevalence rate increasing from 19.8% in 2018 to 42.2% currently. Mrs. Eshiet assured that the State Government will not let up in family planning interventions towards a safe and healthy State.
The meeting concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to work together to sustain family planning interventions in Akwa Ibom State. The state government’s commitment to self-reliance in family planning is expected to drive progress in reducing maternal mortality and promoting healthy mothers and children.
As TCI weans the State office its aid for the State to transition to self-reliance in family planning, it is expected that the government will take ownership of family planning programmes and allocate sufficient resources to sustain them which stakeholders said will require strong leadership, effective coordination, and collaboration with stakeholders.
But will these expectations come true? The answer would become evident in government’s immediate investments and ownership uptake of family planning interventions hitherto covered by TCI and by expanding the intervention across the State thus protecting the State from gaps which the weaning off aid by TCI may expose the State to.