By Asmau Ahmad
The African Health Budget Network (AHBN), says the availability of contraceptives is key to reducing the Nigeria’s fertility rate.
AHBN Coordinator, Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, told newsmen in Abuja on Thursday that such a strategy was critical to reducing the high fertility rate in the country.
The contraceptives are the different birth control methods used to prevent pregnancy. The methods include the use of condom, diaphragm, cervical caps, contraceptive sponges, oral pills, implants and injectables.
Magashi said “one of the strategies of the policy is to eliminate unmet need for family planning. It means all those who need family planning can access and use it.”
The AHBN coordinator, who reiterated the imperatives of making available contraceptives to those that need them, said “it is the roadmap to achieving demographic dividend.”
He, therefore, urged relevant stakeholders, especially the media, to amplify the advocacy for availability of contraceptives and all forms of strategies to reduce fertility rate.
According to reports, Nigeria’s fertility rate is 5.2 birth per woman.
