Nigerian government approves N1.8bn for condoms

The Federal Government has approved the sum of N1.8 billion ($11.3 million) for the procurement of condoms and family planning commodities, as part of its efforts at reducing maternal mortality and promoting planned parenthood.

The Director of Family Health in the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Bridget Okoeguale, disclosed this in Abuja during the 47th National Council Meeting of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria.

According to her, the amount is for the purchase of condoms, implants and other necessities.

She said that some states do not have a budget line for family planning, despite the global campaign.

“Last year, in order to reduce the maternal mortality rate, the Federal Government proclaimed that reproductive health commodities and family planning commodities like condom and implants would be free. Now that it is free, people will have to be rushing it,” she said.

“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 organised 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.”

Okoeguale said that FG was 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,” she said.

Source: Daily Times