The Challenged Initiative, TCI, a non-profit organisation that focuses on Family planning as well as Adolescent Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health, AYSRH, interventions for the urban poor, has charged the Akwa Ibom State government and other stakeholders to ensure that family planning services are sustained in the state.
The call followed the transitioning of TCI which had provided technical support to Akwa Ibom health agencies on favorable reproductive health outcomes for over three years.
The Country Director of TCI, Dr. Taiwo Johnson who gave the charge at the transition meeting in Uyo, themed ‘Transitioning Akwa Ibom State to Self-Reliance in Family Planning’, expressed hope that the foundation TCI had laid on family planning would be consolidated by the state for accessible and sustainable commodities.
She stated that sustainability and self reliance implies less donor funding and more government funding, expressing commitment to support the state to adapt to the SDG goal with a different approach.
He says, “As we celebrate today, let’s move forward with dedication and optimism towards self reliance which means more government funding, less donor funding. Together, we can achieve this. With the expertise in this room, Akwa Ibom State will emerge stronger and more resilient
“We are supporting the state to adapt to the SDG goal with a different approach. A new TCI is coming up stronger next year with a different focus. I will be at the backend monitoring data to see that Akwa Ibom State stays on course.”
Chairman, Ibom Life Saving Advocacy Organization, Dr. Mmandu Ekpeyong thanked TCI for the work they have done in the last three years and the Akwa Ibom State government for the enabling environment given to TCI.
While harping on the need for the inauguration of local government action on family planning for sustainability, Ekpenyong encouraged the state to contribute to the family planning national basket fund and give attention to the provision of consumables needed to administer family planning commodities.
On her part, Akwa Ibom State Family Planning Coordinator, Mrs Enobong Eshiet, while applauding TCI for making impact in Akwa Ibom, called for advocacy to reinforce the commitment of stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities for investment in family planning.
“There should be prompt fund release to procure family planning commodities and consumables to reduce the challenge of stock out,” she said.
In the same vein, at a media review meeting of the Akwa Ibom State Media Advocacy Group on Family Planning, the Media Officer of Development Communications Network, DevComs, Mr Mayowa Adeniran urged journalists to explore strategies for sustainability, stressing that beyond family planning, the platform could also be leveraged to promote other health programmes as the state transits into self-reliance.
The State Programme Manager of TCI, Dr. Obasesam Edet, while commending media partners on their role in publicizing the activities of the organization and by extension the importance of family planning in the society, promised that TCI would remain available to provide technical support when needed.
The Desk Officer of the Media Advocacy Group, Mrs Grace Usen in her remarks highlighted the contributions of the group in promoting family planning uptake and debunking of myths and misconceptions in the state.
She added, “Sustaining the group through partnerships and innovative strategies would ensure that awareness and service uptake continue to grow, ultimately improving health outcomes in the state.”
TCI tasks Akwa Ibom Govt on sustainable family planning