By David Odama (In Lafia, Nasarawa State)
Stakeholders in the health sector have said the Nasarawa State government is yet to release the sum of N30 million earmarked for the execution of Family Planning programme in the 2022 appropriation, appealing to the state government to ensure prompt release of the funds.
Stakeholders said at a one-day media forum on the status of Family Planning in the state, organised by Pathfinder International in collaboration with Community Link for Health and Family Planning Advocacy (CLHFPA) in Lafia that the development has stalled the programme’s activities across the state.
Speakers at the forum decried the lack of political will on the part of the state government to invest in the Family Planning initiative, intended to reduce maternal and child mortality.
State Coordinator on Family Planning, Salome Ayah, who stressed the need for continued support for the overall management of health emergencies in the State, however assured of Gov Sule's administration to steer the fortune of the health sector in the State.
Chairman of Community Link for Health and Family Planning Advocacy, Mary Ashinenye, said none release of budgetary allocation and bureaucracy was the major challenges hindering efficient family planning in the State.
Also Speaking, a media officer with the Pathfinder International, Bayo Ewuola, said his organization's sustained enlightenment campaigns on family and reproductive health has yielded results, explaining that media have objectively promoted and ensured the momentum of family planning in Nassarawa State.
"The media have built, support and created enabling environment for successful implementation of policies and programme of Pathfinder International in Nasarawa. We remain extremely grateful to our committed partners", Bayo stated. NNL.