FG to Spend $11 Million on Condoms, Other Contraceptives for Nigerians

Apparently as part of plans to ensure the realization of the birth control and population check and maternal mortality, the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a total of $11.3 million to procure condoms and other family planning commodities.

This revelation was made by the Director of Family Health in the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Bridget Okoeguale, while speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the 47th National Council Meeting of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria. According to her, the said amount is for the purchase of condoms, implant and other necessities.

Pointing out that some states do not have a budget line for family planning, despite the global campaign on it, she said “The Federal Government along with the global partners is also committed to reducing maternal mortality rate in the country. You know our maternal mortality rate has not been very good… Last year, in order to reduce maternal mortality rate, the Federal Government proclaimed that reproductive health commodities and family planning commodities like condom and implant to be free. Now that it is free, people will have to be rushing it.

“So the government along with the partners made a forecast as to what we need in the country and contributed $3m in 2011 through a Memorandum of Understanding which we implemented. But this year, globally, on July 11 to be precise, in London, there was a family planning summit organized by DFID and other partners to increase the commitment of governments all over the world to family planning… Nigeria came in a big way and Mr. President, through the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the Federal Government’s commitment to the world with an additional $8.3m reproductive health commodities.” which of course.”

She continues: “We are appealing to states to key in because health is on the concurrent list. The Federal Government has a plan and policy but we cannot force states to key in. We can only advocate for them; they make requests to us as regards what they need but it is for them to ensure that these commodities reach the grassroots.”