22.3 per cent of families in Nasarawa embrace family planning- Official

Dr Gaza Gwamna, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health says that 22.3 per cent of families in the state have embraced family planning to ensure population control, maternal and child health, and economic development.

The Commissioner, represented by Dr John Damina, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, stated this at a press conference on Friday in Lafia as part of events to commemorate the 2025 World Contraceptive Day.

Gwamna highlighted that the milestone was achieved through increased awareness by the government in collaboration with partners and the uninterrupted availability of family planning commodities and consumables.

He further explained that the state recorded just 14.8 per cent of contraceptive prevalence rate in 2018, but due to joint efforts with partners, the rate increased to 22.3 per cent in 2025.

"This upward trend is a clear indicator of a collective dedication and growing awareness and acceptance of family planning services in the state.

"The milestone is more than just statistics, but it represents thousands of families who have gained the power to plan their lives, space their children and improve their overall health and economic well-being.

"It also translates directly into reduced maternal and child mortality, healthier families, and more women pursuing their education and other economic opportunities, thereby contributing more robustly to the state's development," the commissioner added.

He further said that the ministry, in collaboration with development partners and other relevant stakeholders, would continue to advance family planning services in the state.

"We are particularly focused on ensuring the uninterrupted availability of family planning commodities and consumables because our efforts will be hampered without the supply," he added.

The Commissioner also said that the government had put measures in place to ensure that the commodities are not out of stock, and that the services are provided in every health facility in the state.

He therefore called on the public to embrace family planning and seek correct information from medical experts and desist from believing misinformation, misconceptions and fake news about family planning that are not correct. (NAN).