The Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the Society for Family Health (SFH), is taking bold steps to empower women by expanding access to self injectable contraceptives. Through the Delivering Innovation in Self Care (DISC) project, this partnership aims to give women more control over their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) by introducing a safe, convenient, and self administered contraceptive option.
At the heart of this initiative is the introduction of the Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA-SC), a self injectable contraceptive that offers women a reliable method to manage their reproductive health for up to three months. This innovation marks a shift from traditional provider administered methods, enabling women to take more ownership of their contraception without needing to visit a healthcare facility regularly.
Jennifer Adebambo, Country Manager for the DISC project, highlighted that this three year intervention aims to make self care in family planning a cornerstone of reproductive health services in Oyo State. By empowering women to manage their contraception, the project reduces the strain on healthcare facilities and broadens the range of family planning options available to women in the state.
The initiative also seeks to reinforce the capacity of over 700 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Oyo State. Through intensive training programs for family planning providers, FP coordinators, and community leaders, the state is working to ensure that self care becomes a sustainable part of its healthcare system. Health promotion officers will also be trained to create demand and educate women on the benefits and safety of the DMPA-SC contraceptive.
By empowering women with the knowledge and tools to inject themselves, Oyo State aims to increase access to family planning services even in remote areas. This ensures that no woman, regardless of her location, is left without options when it comes to her reproductive health.
Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetimobi, Oyo State Health Commissioner, emphasized the importance of giving women more control over their family planning. Childbearing is supposed to be a joyful experience, she stated, but for some, it becomes a burden when family planning options are limited. This project ensures that women have access to information and resources, allowing them to space their children as they desire.
Community leaders, like Dr. Latifat Dairo, chairperson of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, Oyo chapter, have expressed optimism about the initiative. Dr. Dairo noted that self injectable contraceptives are safe, effective, and likely to be embraced by women once they are properly trained.
This partnership between the Oyo State Government and SFH represents a significant leap forward in reproductive healthcare for women in Oyo. By expanding access to innovative contraceptives like the DMPA-SC, the state is making family planning services more accessible, convenient, and empowering for women.
As this project progresses, it will not only alleviate the pressure on healthcare facilities but also contribute to the overall well being and autonomy of women in Oyo State, ensuring that they are active participants in their own healthcare decisions.