By Ahmad Alabira, Dutse
A Civil Society Organization, Jigawa Maternal Accountability Forum (JIMAF), has outlined numerous challenges that militate against the practice of family planning in the state.
The challenges were identified at the weekend during a session held with stakeholders at the manpower development institute in Dutse.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Isah Mustapha said, there are about five major challenges to the smooth operation of the family planning programme in the state.
Mr Mustapha who is an expert in the field explained that, inadequate budget, delayed request of funds and zero release to family planning activities in the state is among the issues.
According to him “other findings include the stockout of family planning services in many primary and secondary health facilities, is highly hampering the demand of family planning services by community members.
“Inconsistent increase in family planning allocation and releases is another issue that retard the progress of family planning” he said.
Comrade Mustapha said JiMAF has postulated for upward review in the public investment for family planning and health sectors in general.
He said JiMAF has also recommended to government to sustain commitment in yearly increase of family planning allocation and releases.
“While Ministries, Departments and Agencies should prioritize family planning and timely request of funds.
“The allocation to family planning is grossly inadequate, the commodities and consumables by federal government need to be increased for enough supplies”, he concluded.
