Dr. Ben Afam Obidike, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, has urged citizens to prioritize their reproductive health by using condoms and other forms of contraceptives. This advice was given during the commemoration of the 2026 World Contraception Day in Anambra State, with the theme “No Barriers, Just Choices: Contraceptive Access Now.” The Commissioner emphasized the importance of access to contraceptive services, accurate information, and quality counseling.
According to Dr. Obidike, access to contraception goes beyond just the availability of commodities. He stressed the need for accurate information, quality counseling, and access to a range of safe and effective family planning methods. The 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey revealed that 15 percent of currently married women aged 15 to 49 years in Anambra had an unmet need for family planning. Despite this figure being among the lowest in the country, the government remains committed to addressing the remaining gaps.
In 2025, a total of 146,183 clients were counseled on family planning in Anambra State, with 44,615 new acceptors recorded. Between January and June 2026, 73,687 clients received counseling, while 18,389 new acceptors were recorded. Health facilities provided 13,726 injectable contraceptives, 5,402 implants, and 537 intrauterine device insertions during this period. Additionally, 11,186 clients accessed condom services.
The Anambra State government is also focusing on postpartum family planning. Between January and June, 17,814 women were counseled, including 978 postpartum Implanon NXT and 489 Jadelle insertions. Dr. Obidike noted that contraception can help prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce pregnancy-related health risks and maternal deaths, and reduce the need for unsafe abortion.
Family planning can also support women’s education, economic participation, and overall family well-being. The Commissioner emphasized that contraceptive services should be based on informed choice, urging healthcare providers to offer respectful, confidential, and non-judgmental counseling. He identified misinformation, fear of side effects, and limited availability of preferred methods as some of the challenges affecting access to family planning.
Chioma Okedo, the Assistant Family Planning Coordinator of the ministry, identified myths, misconceptions, cultural and religious beliefs as major barriers to family planning. Some people wrongly believe that contraceptive use causes infertility or death, while some men hold cultural beliefs that women who use family planning could become unfaithful or difficult to control.
The Anambra State government, under the leadership of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening reproductive health services. The government is urging healthcare workers, development partners, community leaders, and the media to support accurate information and help dispel myths surrounding contraception.
Key points
- The Anambra State Commissioner for Health urges citizens to prioritize their reproductive health to avoid unwanted pregnancies and abortions.
- The 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey revealed that 15 percent of currently married women aged 15 to 49 years in Anambra had an unmet need for family planning.
- In 2025, 146,183 clients were counseled on family planning in Anambra State, with 44,615 new acceptors recorded.
