Enugu Health Teams Address Contraceptive Concerns During Family Planning Outreach

Health teams in Enugu State have carried out an outreach aimed at helping women make informed choices about contraception and family planning.

The programme brought together the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, medical professionals and the Society for Family Health. Teams visited facilities including Ugbo Owa Health Centre, Ikirike Health Centre and the Railway Clinic in the state capital.

At Ugbo Owa, state health educator Stella Ani told participants that family planning can help families decide the number of children they are prepared to care for. She also addressed concerns that contraceptive use could permanently prevent future pregnancy.

Ani explained that women are encouraged to speak with trained counsellors before choosing a method because individual health conditions can affect which options are appropriate. She noted that both hormonal and non-hormonal methods are available and said factors such as high blood pressure and body weight may influence medical advice.

Dr Douglas Nwagbo of the Enugu State Ministry of Health said cultural and religious beliefs remain among the issues affecting the acceptance of birth control. He also linked family planning decisions to the ability of parents to provide healthcare and education for their children.

Nwagbo discussed self-administered injectable contraceptives and encouraged couples to make family planning decisions together.

One participant, Ifeoma Nwankwo, shared her experience using a five-year contraceptive implant. The mother of six said she had previously removed the implant when she wanted another child and later became pregnant. She said she and her husband now intend to continue using family planning after deciding their four-month-old baby would be their last child.

The outreach focused on providing women with medical guidance while challenging misconceptions that can discourage the use of contraception.