Family Planning: TCI, Health, Media Advocates Meet On Way Forward In Osun

To further strengthen the “Understanding Myths And Misconceptions” in Family Planning in order to have a coordinated and happy home, the Family Planning Stakeholders in Osun State held a roundtable meeting on Friday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

OsunReporters News Correspondent, Damilola Adeniyi who was as the meeting, reports that the strategic meeting had in attendance, The Challenge Initiative (TCI), the Media Advocates and the Ministry of Health, highlighted the roles of each stakeholder in dispelling misconceptions in Family Planning.

The Guest Facilitator who doubles as the Osun State Family Planning Coordinator, Mrs Ololade Margaret Abatan took the attendees through the importance of Family Planning, noting that for every family to have a happy home, the husband and wife must have a mutual understanding on number of children to have, when to have them and to cater for their needs.

In her analyses, Mrs Margaret made five critical points as a guide for every couple when high risks pregnancy occur, which includes,
• Pregnancy is risky when it is too early when pregnancy occurred before the attainment of age 18.
• There is a pregnancy risk when child spacing is less than two year’s intervals.
• Too many children when a woman has more than four births.
• Pregnancy is too late when when a woman gets pregnant after 35 years.
• Woman risks illegal abortion when there is unplanned pregnancy.

She reiterated the importance of Family Planning and how it saves lives; Prevents High-Risk Pregnancies: Limits pregnancy in women with health risks; Ensures Birth Spacing: Reduces risks of premature birth and maternal complications by allowing for adequate recovery time between pregnancies; Reduces Unsafe Abortions: Contraception reduces the likelihood of unsafe abortions, which contribute to maternal mortality.

On the Demand Generation for The Challenge Initiative, TCI in Osun State, Mr. Funsho Daniel briefly took the Media Advocates on important tips on Family Planning:

•Our task is to develop strategies for promoting family planning

programs in Osun State through the media. This approach aims to raise awareness, deepen understanding, and inspire behavioral change using different communication channels.
• We, as a team, have been constituted to develop FP’s programme communication products which include mass media and print materials, participatory processes, trainings and more.
• It is expected that we combine art and science–the creative and
artistic vision needed to move audiences and inspire them to change.
• We are expected to test our ideas and designs with our intended audience(s) to ensure that the messages are clear and actionable.

However, the role of media in dispelling misconceptions in Family Planning includes: Educating the public: This can be done by disseminating accurate information on Family Planning through interviews, documentaries and educational contents for the benefit of all.
Raising Awareness: Campaigns through legacy, broadcast and Social Media.
Collaboration With MDAs for sustainability of demand generation and awareness creation.