Family planning acceptors in Edo State have voiced their frustrations over a significant shortage of commodities in many Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities.
Despite the Edo government’s recent approval of over N27 million for the procurement of family planning commodities for 2024, many women in the state continue to struggle with accessing these essential services.
Women from Egor and Oredo local government areas shared their difficulties in separate interviews.
Felicia Okoro, a family planning acceptor from Benin City, expressed her frustration, saying, “I have been coming to the PHC for three months, but they always tell me they don’t have the commodities. It’s frustrating because I need the services to plan my family.”
Similarly, Grace Osaige recounted her experience, noting that she had to switch to a different method due to the unavailability of her preferred commodity.
“I was turned back from Edaiken PHC last week because they didn’t have the commodities.
“ We have to opt for another method to save the situation,” said Ms. Osaige. She called on the state government to address the issue, emphasising that family planning services are supposed to be free.
In response to these concerns, Stephenson Ojeifo, the director of public health at the Edo State Ministry of Health, acknowledged the shortage and assured the public that steps were being taken to resolve it.
Ojeifo explained that the increase in awareness and uptake of family planning services had led to a shortage of commodities, but he emphasised that the state was working to address the issue.
“We did a memo for approval for the procurement of family planning commodities, and it has been approved by His Excellency.
“ We are sure that before the end of this month or next, funds will be released to procure those commodities,” said Ojeifo.
He expressed optimism that the timely procurement of these commodities would address the current shortage and ensure that services continue without interruption.
Ojeifo also commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for prioritizing health in his administration and for approving the necessary funds for family planning commodities.
He highlighted that family planning activities in the state had seen significant success despite the current challenges.
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