FHANI, Urges Kaduna Government to Increase 2020 Family Planning Budget to N362.8 Million
By Habila Victor, Kaduna
A group, Family Health Advocates in Nigeria Initiative (FHANI) has called on Kaduna State Government to increase family planning budget to N362.8 million from the current N147.6 million, so as to address the existing funding gap for the benefit of women of reproductive age.
This was contained in a communique signed and presented by the FHANI Chairman, Alhaji Bala Muhammed at the just concluded breakfast meeting with the Kaduna State House of Assembly adhoc committee on health, women and appropriation.
The group noted that because of the poverty level of families, especially in the rural areas, they cannot access FP services, hence the need for the House of Assembly to support and ensure allocation of appropriate and adequate funds, considering the challenges women faced.
Alhaji Muhammed, stated that the meeting is aimed at showcasing athe current picture of Family Planning situation in Kaduna State and how the House of Assembly Members can support improved funding and policy environment that will lead to better appropriation, releases and cash disbursements.
According to their analysis, Kaduna State has a population of about 9 million residents, with women of child bearing age put at about 2 million, but noted with dismay, the maternal and infant mortality which stood at alarming rate.
The group explained that the availability and use of modern contraceptives, would prevent unintended pregnancies, while high rate of unsafe abortions and maternal deaths would be averted.
However, they commended the state government for putting in place adequate structures which should be well protected and utilized and they also acknowledged the opportunities created for CSOs by Kaduna State Government through good policies and environment with the resolve to work together to provide good governance.
