The United Nations Population Fund says it has secured federal health ministry’s commitment to set aside $3 million a year for purchase of family planning commodities.
UNFPA executive director Babatunde Osotimehin announced the outcome of his meetings with government officials at a press briefing to round off his three-day visit to Nigeria.
He said Nigeria would optimally need up to $16m a year, considering the increasing number of women of reproductive age and the steady fertility rate.
In talks with the finance ministry, UNFPA laid out a “business case in which Nigeria will increase what it brings in until we reach saturation where Nigeria would have brought in enough to go forward,” said Osotimehin.
“What we would like is build a business case about what we have to do and quickly because every year new women add to the pool.”
Family planning commodities and services reached some 6m people last year, funded by $7m through UNFPA from the UK Department for International Development.
“That number needs to go up, because that’s what’s going to change the face of women empowerment and their ability to do what they need,” Osotimehin noted.
“Nigeria is only 2% of world population, but it contributes 10% of maternal mortality globally. Every day, something close to 120 women die giving birth.
“That is totally unacceptable, because the interventions we need to put in place are available and we know them.”
The UN agency has already put in $4m this year, mainly for commodities.
He urged need to highlight the benefits of family planning “so it is clear this is about making life better for women and girls.”
