Stakeholders Raise Alarm Over Family Planning Challenges in Adamawa

YOLA —By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola

Access to family planning services in Adamawa State is being severely hampered by inadequate funding, a shortage of contraceptive commodities, and widespread myths and misconceptions, health experts have said.

This concern was voiced during a media roundtable held in Yola, where key stakeholders in the reproductive health sector called for urgent intervention and increased investment to curb the high rate of unplanned pregnancies and improve maternal health outcomes across the state.

Aisha Garba Abubakar, the Family Planning Focal Person for Adamawa State, disclosed that the modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (mCPR) stands at just 17.5%—a figure she described as alarmingly low. She attributed the situation to the irregular supply of essential family planning commodities, which continues to hinder access for many women.

“The consequences of unplanned pregnancies go beyond individual health—they affect families, communities, and the state’s development. We need consistent funding and supply of commodities to meet the growing demand,” she stated.

Traditional and religious leaders present at the forum acknowledged that misconceptions around family planning are deeply embedded in many communities. However, they expressed willingness to support ongoing awareness campaigns, noting that child spacing is compatible with both religious and cultural beliefs.

State Reproductive Health Coordinator, Tulhungu Huzeil, addressed one of the most persistent myths—that family planning leads to infertility—stressing that modern contraceptive methods are safe, reliable, and medically endorsed.

Reinforcing the state’s commitment, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Bubanani Zira, highlighted the importance of family planning for maternal health.

“With proper child spacing, a woman can regain her strength and better care for her children. We will continue to advocate for wider acceptance and access to family planning,” he said.

Organizers of the roundtable noted that recent partnerships with journalists and targeted community interventions have increased public interest in reproductive health services. However, they emphasized that without sustained public education and consistent government and donor funding, the service delivery gap will persist.

Participants at the event called for stronger policy support, improved logistics for contraceptive distribution, and the mobilization of community leaders to promote family planning.

They concluded that advancing reproductive health is essential for improving family wellbeing and achieving sustainable development in Adamawa State.