Family planning and child spacing are essential components of reproductive health, playing a pivotal role in the well-being of families. These services help individuals and couples make informed decisions about the timing and spacing of children, contributing to healthier families and communities.
At Dala Primary Health Care Maiduguri, the family planning services are offered with the goal of empowering individuals to take control of their reproductive health. According to Zara Mohammed Goji, Deputy Director in charge of family planning at the health facility, the center operates its services from Monday to Friday. However, Goji pointed out several challenges the clinic faces in meeting the needs of the community.
One of the main challenges is a shortage of contraceptive supplies. The health center currently offers long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), but there is a significant shortage of short-acting reversible contraceptives, which are in high demand. Women often return for follow-up visits and depend on these short-acting methods, but the lack of availability has made it difficult to meet the needs of all patients.
“We have the long-acting contraceptives available, but we are lacking the short-acting ones. These are crucial for women who need regular follow-up and timely access to contraceptive options,” Goji explained. “It’s a significant issue because it affects our ability to provide complete family planning services.”
In addition to the contraceptive shortage, Goji also highlighted the lack of essential equipment, such as devices like Seina press, Lonris, and Depo injections. These shortages have posed a barrier to providing comprehensive care, making it challenging for the clinic to fully support family planning efforts. Goji expressed appreciation for the support the clinic has received from The Challenge Initiative (TCI), which has helped alleviate some of these challenges.
“We are grateful for the support from TCI, but there is still much to be done to ensure that every woman who comes to us for family planning services receives the care they need,” Goji added.
Despite these challenges, patients at Dala Primary Health Care have shared positive experiences with the family planning services offered. Fatima Umar and Habiba Garba, along with other patients, spoke about their satisfaction with the family planning options available to them.
“We are thankful for the family planning services here. They have given us more control over our lives and health,” said Fatima Umar. Habiba Garba echoed similar sentiments, noting how the ability to space children has allowed her to focus on her health and career.
As family planning continues to be a priority in the region, local health providers and communities hope for a sustained effort to overcome these challenges, ensuring that essential services are accessible to all those in need.
