The Enugu State Government has intensified efforts to expand access to reproductive healthcare following a strategic meeting between the Country Director of MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices, Emmanuel Ajah, and the State Commissioner for Health, George Ugwu.
The high-level engagement, held in Enugu, marked the beginning of a renewed partnership aimed at scaling up family planning and child spacing services across the state, particularly in underserved communities.
Speaking during the meeting, Ajah reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the state with technical expertise and community-based interventions.
“We are committed to supporting the state government with technical expertise, commodities, and community-based interventions aimed at reducing unmet needs for contraception and improving maternal and child health outcomes,” he said.
He stressed the need to expand access to reproductive health services, especially in hard-to-reach areas, noting that collaboration remains key to achieving sustainable results.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health described the partnership as both timely and transformative, aligning it with the broader healthcare reforms of the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
“Family planning remains a cornerstone of sustainable healthcare delivery,” Ugwu said, adding that strengthening primary healthcare systems at the grassroots is critical to achieving universal health coverage.
He further emphasised the state’s commitment to improving the well-being of women and families through inclusive and accessible healthcare services.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, highlighted the importance of integrating family planning into existing healthcare systems.
“Integrating family planning services into existing primary healthcare structures will not only improve accessibility but also ensure continuity of care for women of reproductive age across all communities,” she said.
The meeting ended with both parties committing to accelerate implementation strategies, including community mobilisation, capacity building for healthcare workers, and expanded public awareness campaigns.
With the renewed collaboration, stakeholders expressed optimism that Enugu residents will benefit from a more inclusive and strengthened healthcare system focused on healthier families and improved maternal outcomes.
