The Social Behavioural Change Communications Officer of Marie Stopes International (MSI) Nigeria, Mr. Dan-Baba Muhammad, has urged Nigerians to embrace reproductive health services to improve overall health outcomes.
Speaking during a family planning outreach in Ilorin East on Thursday, Muhammad said the programme was designed to expand knowledge, dispel misconceptions, and support community members in making healthier reproductive choices.
He explained that the initiative aims to empower families with accurate information, encourage men to participate actively in reproductive decision-making, and promote supportive environments that reduce misinformation while improving attitudes toward family planning.
Muhammad stressed that tackling myths surrounding family planning was vital for reducing maternal and infant mortality, strengthening community resilience, and ensuring reproductive decisions were guided by evidence-based information.
The Family Planning Focal Person, Mrs. Jatto Bashirat, said the dialogue aligned with ongoing efforts under the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative to enhance access to reproductive health services.
She commended residents for their openness to learning, noting that increased understanding of family planning empowered individuals to make informed choices that boost personal well-being, strengthen families, and promote healthier communities.
Also speaking, the Ilorin East Family Planning Coordinator, Hajia Mopelola Balogun, emphasised the need for joint commitment to family planning. She said shared decision-making between spouses improved health outcomes, stabilised households, and nurtured stronger social bonds.
The Community Chairman, Alhaji Jimoh Olona, expressed appreciation to the state government and development partners for the sensitisation effort. He said the outreach would guide families toward healthier decisions and encouraged residents to adopt the information shared.