By Lyop Pam

Mrs. Hanatu Dung, the reproductive health coordinator, Plateau State primary health care board, has decried myths and misconceptions on family planning, saying, it must be completely dispelled for its success.

The health official raised the concern at a two day capacity building, for media professional, on Saturday in Jos.

The event was organized by the voice for family planning with support from Pathfinder international.

She said family planning ensured people have the desired number of children, and enable them determine the spacing of their pregnancies.

“This is achieved through the use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of infertility,” she said .

In her presentation on ‘Myths and Misconceptions of Family Planning’, she explained that some myths were factors mitigating success of family planning uptakes.

The coordinator identified some of the myths and misconceptions to include, using women as guinea pigs and loosing fertility among others, noting that the media as partners should assist in dispelling it.

Dung said some family planning services are available for both sexes, depending on suitability for individual.

Presenting ‘family planning situation in the state’, Mrs. Rahila Telfim, the family planning coordinator, primary health care development board, said funding for family planning in the state was grossly inadequate ,and called for more action towards improving it.

Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Bayo Ewuola
surname, media and communication officer Pathfinder international, said the objective of the workshop was to build the capacity of the media, in advocating the adoption of family planning in the state.

According to a 2017 estimate by WHO, 214 million women of reproductive age in developing regions have an unmet need for contraceptive.

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Plateau: Health Official Decries Myths on Family Planning