In a significant push for reproductive healthcare in Lagos State, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) has donated a substantial consignment of family planning commodities to support the Lagos State Family Planning Programme.
The handover ceremony, held in Lagos, underscored the strong collaboration between the state government and development partners working to enhance access to quality reproductive health services.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi described the donation as a major step toward improving reproductive health outcomes.
She emphasised that the initiative reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring widespread access to family planning services across the state.
“This is more than just receiving commodities; it is a testament to our shared vision of making quality family planning services accessible to all residents.
“TCI has been a dedicated partner, providing both technical and financial support to strengthen our healthcare systems and implement high-impact interventions,” she stated.
Dr. Ogunyemi acknowledged the critical role of partnerships in achieving universal healthcare, noting that the government cannot work in isolation.
She assured stakeholders of the state’s continued commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery through efficient supply chain systems, capacity-building initiatives, and community engagement.
RECOMMENDED POSTS
The Director of The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria, Dr. Taiwo Johnson, reiterated the organization’s dedication to ensuring that every woman has access to reproductive health choices.
“Family planning is essential in reducing maternal mortality and improving overall community well-being. With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Bayer, we are proud to be part of this initiative,” she said.
Dr. Johnson highlighted TCI’s intensified efforts over the past year, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to eliminating barriers to contraceptive access.
“No woman should be denied family planning services due to a lack of commodities. That’s why we are working tirelessly to ensure a steady supply of contraceptives at healthcare facilities,” she stressed.
She further detailed the donation, which includes one million male condoms, 57,000 injectables, 53,000 contraceptive pills, and 6,843 implants.
According to her, the contribution aims to prevent stockouts and sustain the growing demand for family planning services, especially in underserved communities.
“Our outreach programmes in marketplaces and informal settlements have significantly increased demand for family planning services. This donation ensures that we can continue meeting this need effectively,” she added.
Director of Family Health and Nutrition at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Folasade Oludara, expressed gratitude for TCI’s timely intervention, noting that it came at a crucial moment when the state was experiencing supply challenges.
“TCI’s support has been instrumental, especially during periods of federal government supply delays. Their demand-generation strategies have been so effective that we’ve had to procure additional supplies to keep up,” she explained.
Dr. Oludara assured that the donated commodities would be distributed efficiently and at no cost to end-users.
“Our last-mile distribution system ensures that these contraceptives reach the intended beneficiaries without any financial burden,” she affirmed.
She also requested approval for an immediate distribution plan to support ongoing outreach efforts in 10 local government areas.
“Given our recent last-mile distribution, we seek approval for these donated commodities to be made available at the Oshodi medical store for planned outreach activities,” she appealed.
