Devcom Trains Media Personnel on Advocacy for Improved Family Planning Uptake in Akwa Ibom
By Ekemini Simon
Media personnel and officials from information and health related Ministries, Departments and Agencies have been trained on media advocacy for improved family planning uptake in Akwa Ibom State.
The three-Day training which was organised by Development Communications (Devcom) Network, with support from The Challenge Initiative (TCI), held last Wednesday through Friday in Uyo.
In her opening remarks, Bukola George of Development Communications said the training was designed to equip media personnel with facts about family planning and also sharpen their skills on how to effectively advocate for its uptake.
George expressed optimism that with the training, people will be more informed, attitudes will change positively, and people will have the needed skills to plan their family.
On his part, the Akwa Ibom State Programme Coordinator of The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Obasesam Edet noted that after 11 States have graduated from their support, TCI is currently working in 11 States of the Federation including Akwa Ibom State to support the uptake of family planning.
He said the current economic realities coupled with health hazards gives reason for everyone to take family planning seriously.
Edet who pointed out that while some states have released their counterpart funds into the National basket fund for family planning, Akwa Ibom State was lagging behind hence threatening the sustainability of family planning commodities to the State.
The Coordinator who called on the media to harp the need for the government of Akwa Ibom State to improve its budgeting and funding for family planning said that will save the State at the event support from international partners cease.
In her presentation, the State Family Planning Coordinator, Enobong Eshiet noted that analysis of media reports over time has revealed gaps in media coverage of family planning.
While stressing that in Akwa Ibom State, family planning services are free, Eshiet called on the media to use the same advocacy vibrancy in advocating for issues of health emergency to advocate for family planning.
She noted that when done, unwanted pregnancies, maternal mortality rate among other issues linked to accessibility of family planning will be addressed.
Meanwhile, the training included a field trip to Primary Health Centre, Oti Oro in Okobo local government where the team spoke with clients who availed themselves of family planning services, staff of the facility and members of Ward Development Committee of the area.