In a significant move to improve reproductive health services, Ondo State, in collaboration with the international non-governmental organization Jhpiego, has successfully trained 168 healthcare providers on the use of Hormonal Intrauterine Devices (H-IUD) for long-term birth control. The initiative, part of a project titled “Scaling up Hormonal Intrauterine Devices to Primary Health Care Facilities in Ondo State, Nigeria,” is aimed at enhancing family planning options across the state.

Speaking at the project’s dissemination event held in Akure, Opeyemi Agunbiade, the state’s head of family planning, highlighted the success of the initiative. She noted that since its inception in October last year, the project has equipped 168 healthcare workers with the skills needed to initiate and provide H-IUD services. This has significantly boosted their competence and confidence in delivering these essential reproductive health services.

The project has also trained 15 pre-service educators and preceptors on H-IUD counseling, insertion, and removal, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare providers is well-versed in comprehensive contraceptive services. Agunbiade stated, “This project has recorded numerous successes, including building the capacity of our service providers and equipping future healthcare workers with the skills to offer high-quality family planning options.”

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Mrs. Hannatu Abdullahi, the project coordinator, emphasized that the goal is to support the Nigerian government’s national H-IUD introduction and scale-up strategy. The initiative is focused on increasing family planning options and meeting the unmet needs of Nigerian women of reproductive age.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Niran Ikuomola, praised Jhpiego for its contributions to the state’s healthcare system. Ajaka underlined the importance of family planning as a key public health intervention, particularly in today’s challenging economic environment, allowing women and families to make informed reproductive health choices.