A delegation of Kenyan healthcare professionals embarked on a learning visit to Nasarawa State, Nigeria, to study the state’s innovative approach to administering injectable and implant-based family planning methods. This exchange, facilitated by the Society for Family Health (SFH) under its IntegratE Project, aims to enhance service delivery by empowering Community Pharmacists (CPs) and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) to provide these essential services. The Kenyan delegation, comprising doctors, pharmacists, and key Ministry of Health officials, sought to glean insights from Nasarawa State’s success in expanding access to family planning and reducing maternal and child mortality. This knowledge exchange underscores the growing importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing critical health challenges and adapting successful models to different contexts.
The Kenyan delegation expressed a keen interest in understanding how Nasarawa State integrates community-based providers, specifically pharmacists, into the family planning service delivery model. Dr. Serem Edward, leading the Kenyan delegation, emphasized the importance of bringing these crucial services closer to the population. Kenya, with a modern contraceptive prevalence rate of 57%, recognizes the potential of adopting Nigeria’s model to further reduce maternal and child mortality. Nigeria’s approach is particularly relevant in areas with limited human resources, effectively extending the reach of essential reproductive health services.
Nasarawa State’s success in expanding access to family planning services was highlighted by Salome Aya, the Reproductive and Family Planning Coordinator at the state’s Ministry of Health. Over 60,000 women across the state’s 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have benefited from these services, delivered through a network of public health facilities, private hospitals, CPs, and PPMVs. While free family planning services are primarily offered in public health facilities, the state government has strategically empowered CPs and PPMVs to bridge the access gap and contribute significantly to reducing maternal and child mortality. This multi-pronged approach ensures wider coverage and caters to diverse community needs.
The IntegratE Project, implemented by SFH, has been instrumental in broadening access to family planning services in Nasarawa State. Michael Alagbile, representing SFH and the IntegratE Project, emphasized the project’s commitment to ensuring that all women, regardless of their location, can access contraceptive methods. This focus on equitable access aligns with the overarching goal of providing quality healthcare for all residents. The project’s success underscores the potential of strategic partnerships and innovative service delivery models to address critical health needs.
The collaborative spirit of the visit was further reinforced by the welcoming remarks from Dr. John Damina, Permanent Secretary at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health. He commended SFH for spearheading the IntegratE Project and reiterated the state government’s unwavering support for reproductive health initiatives. Recognizing the importance of empowering women to take control of their reproductive health, Dr. Damina emphasized the state’s commitment to sustaining and expanding these vital interventions. This commitment signifies the state’s dedication to improving the overall health and well-being of its citizens.
The exchange of knowledge and best practices between Kenya and Nasarawa State represents a significant step towards strengthening family planning programs and improving maternal and child health outcomes. By adapting and implementing successful models, both countries can further enhance the accessibility and utilization of contraceptive services. This collaborative approach fosters innovation and accelerates progress towards achieving universal access to reproductive healthcare. The visit also highlights the crucial role of community-based providers in extending the reach of essential services, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Through ongoing partnerships and shared learning, both countries can contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality and empowering women to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
