Media Practitioners in Plateau State have been commended for leading public sensitization on child-spacing and making the service more acceptable even in the face of some challenges being faced.

The Media and Communication of Pathfinder International, Mr. Bayo Ewuola gave the commendation at a one-day media Forum on the Status of Family Planning in Plateau State which held on Thursday 10th February, 2022 at Crispan Hotels Rayfield Jos, Plateau State.

He disclosed that Plateau State is dear to Pathfinder International being among the 12 implementing States of the Advanced Family Planning (AFP) Project since its inception in 2015.

“Over the past Years, Plateau State has made tremendous progress in Family Planning issues; around funding and policies” he said.

He hinted that what is expected from the Media Practitioners trained now is to sustain the conversation on Family and make it to be at the front-burner.

He called on the State Government to make more financial commitment and ensure there are supportive policy environment on Family Planning issues.
He appreciated the support and responsiveness to the project.

Mr. Wika Gofwen, the Focal Person DevComs Plateau State and Media Officer Voice for Family Planning harped on the need for the media to be engaged in strategic communication with critical stakeholders in order to achieve better result.
He spoke on the need for the Media to always think outside the box in public engagement for sustainability of the project.

He said for the engagement between media practitioners and stakeholders to be effective, Media Practitioners must ensure the information regarding the project are presented in a transparent manner.

Speaking on behalf of the Plateau State Commissioner of Health, the Deputy Director Public Health Plateau State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Elsie Rengkwar applauded the Media which she described as critical in the dissemination of information considering the strategic position they occupy in the advocacy for Family Planning.
She appreciated Pathfinder International for its roles in enhancing sound reproductive health of the Public.
She urged the Media to make deliberate efforts to clear the misconception and myths about Family Planning in the State.

Mrs. Rahila Telfim, the Coordinator of Family Planning Plateau State Primary Health Care Development Board in her presentation about Family Planning situation in Plateau State lauded the State government for its commitment to Family Planning and the release of Ten Million Naira from the “save 1 million lives fund” for same purpose which she disclosed will address the shortage of commodities for the end-users.

She said they are working in improving the Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) in the State.
She further hinted that clients’ care and concerns are at the centre of their activities saying they will ensure that service providers are well-trained in order to provide quality and exceptional services.
She said 742 Primary Health Care (PHC) Facilities both private and public are offering Family Planning services in the State.

She said their challenges include; inadequate skilled service providers, poverty, ignorance, lack/inadequate supply of consumables and the inability of the funds for last mile distribution to be released in a timely manner.
She called for the strengthening of supportive supervision at all levels, dedication of funds for purchase of Family planning commodities, improving human resource for health, timely approval and release of budget as well as the creation of separate budget line for Adolescent and Youth Reproductive Health (AYRH).

A Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology College of Health Sciences University of Jos, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Chairman Voice for Family Planning and Reproductive Health Centre (V4FPRHC), Prof. Josiah Mutihir spoke on Family Planning advocacy activities in the State, the achievements, progress recorded and challenges of the Advocacy Working Groups (AWG).

The workshop also featured general discussions, questions and answers on Family Planning.

Participants at the workshop commended Pathfinder International for the role it has been playing in building the capacities of Media Practitioners and working towards achieving a healthier and prosperous Nations. They promised to put what they learnt to effective use and ensure they increase media visibility on Family Planning in the State and Nation at large.

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Pathfinder International Lauds Plateau Media For Its Public Enlightenment Role on Child-Spacing